Clinicians
“I had the privilege of working side by side with Evan in our outpatient palliative care practice. We cared for people living with the most complex and challenging illnesses- serious medical issues in the setting of poverty, childhood trauma, and profound existential and spiritual suffering. Because of Evan’s capacity to be present and to deeply know our patients, we were able to accompany and support these individuals through their years of experience with our broken healthcare system. He made this hard work not only possible for our team, but also deeply meaningful and joyful through his artistry with human connection. Evan transformed our days from black and white to full color. They talk about horse whisperers- Evan is our human whisperer. I cherish him.”
–– Diane E. Meier, MD, FACP, FAAHPM, Founder, Director Emerita and Strategic Medical Advisor, Center to Advance Palliative Care, Co-director, Patty and Jay Baker National Palliative Care Center, Professor, Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine
“It has truly been a privilege to work alongside you. Your presence, compassion, and steady support have meant so much to our patients, their families, and to our entire Palliative Care and Geriatrics team. You have a rare gift for meeting people where they are, and … I’m deeply grateful for all that you’ve given to this practice and for the many ways you’ve supported our staff personally and professionally.”
— Shelley Saville, Executive Director, Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Mount Sinai Health System
Evan’s quiet and grounded presence creates space for worries, fears, grief, and suffering to be safely held and compassionately cradled. He offers a nonjudgmental, strengths-based approach that allows individuals to feel seen, heard, and valued during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.
Chaplain Dr. Zazula’s trauma-informed, faith-sensitive, and culturally responsive care enables him to provide exceptional psycho-spiritual support to patients and families navigating serious illness, hospitalization, and end-of-life experiences. He possesses a remarkable ability to help individuals make meaning of suffering while creating opportunities for them to express what matters most deeply to them.
His devotion to addressing the existential and spiritual needs of patients and families, while also supporting interdisciplinary healthcare teams with compassion and wisdom, is both inspiring and deeply profound.
— Rabbi Edith M. Meyerson, DMin, BCC, Associate Professor Director, Pastoral Counseling and Bereavement Services, Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
"Evan is a truly exceptional human being, with a remarkable ability to connect with others in ways that go far beyond the surface. He brings patience, deep empathy, and a sense of wisdom shaped by both rich personal and professional experiences. In our outpatient palliative care clinics, I have seen him engage meaningfully with individuals of all ages and backgrounds living with serious illness. Patients trust him instinctively and often describe him as one of the most important members of their care team.
His impact extends well beyond the patient. Evan offers thoughtful, compassionate support to caregivers and loved ones, and he consistently shows up for the healthcare team with the same generosity of spirit. I have had the privilege of working alongside him both as a trainee and now as an attending, and he has set the gold standard in my mind for what spiritual care can and should be within healthcare. His presence elevates the care of everyone around him."
–– Debora Afezolli, Medical Director for Ambulatory Palliative Care Services, Assistant Professor, Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
“I’ve seen firsthand how he can calm even the most difficult situations simply with his presence. He has a remarkable ability to stay grounded, listen without judgment, and meet people where they are. He guides patients with kindness and gentleness, creating a space where they feel safe to be their true selves.
Many of the patients we work with are facing unimaginable crises, life challenges, and serious mental health conditions. Through it all, Evan remains unbiased and consistently approaches every individual with an open mind and deep respect.
He’s also someone we, as colleagues, deeply respect. He genuinely cares about his team and is always offering support to make sure we’re also taken care of, so we can continue doing this important work.
Anyone who gets the chance to know him will see this for themselves. Evan does this work as a true calling, and I have no doubt he will continue to make a meaningful impact, guided by his compassion and the care he has for others."
— Vanessa Rodriguez, MD, Associate Professor, Geriatrics Fellowship Director
“As a physician, I am in awe and deeply grateful for the compassion and sensitivity Evan brings to every visit, no matter the circumstances. He is extremely sensitive to the spiritual, emotional, and psychosocial needs of everyone in the room (including the clinical team honestly), with the patient at the center. He helps create space to hold what the patient is feeling in the moment and is adept at being responsive in conversation, or when needed, moving the conversation forward in a therapeutic way. I have seen patient after patient form deep connections with him and he makes himself available to them in the most beautiful way. Perhaps most importantly, he helps find a way to a place where every patient's dignity is honored every visit.”
Christopher Woodrell, MD, MS, Associate Professor Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
"Evan Zazula is an exceptional clinician and colleague. He is thoughtful and intentional in his approach, consistently taking the time to be present and engaged with his patients. His respectful and compassionate nature fosters meaningful connections and a high level of trust. Evan is a collaborative and dependable colleague, and has been highly regarded and appreciated by both our clinic staff and patients."
— Rebecca Masutani, MD, MHA, Assistant Professor, Brookdale Department of Geriatrics & Palliative Medicine
“Evan provides a non-judgmental space that allows patients to process even the most daunting physical and emotional challenges. His empathetic approach allows patients to develop coping strategies to reduce depression/anxiety and enhance decision-making abilities. He inspires trust and arms his patients with a sense of hope and control. Our patients see him as a true ally in their treatment journey. His colleagues at Mt. Sinai view him as an essential element in the successful treatment of our most complex patients.”
— Sheila Barton, LCSW, Mount Sinai Hospital
“I have had the pleasure of working with Evan on many cases. He is a consummate professional and has a wonderful way of engaging and connecting with patients. Without judgment, his advocating and caring for our patients led to important collaborative work.
Evan co-created and co-facilitated various groups in the Palliative Care and Geriatrics Practice including Mindfulness meditation and a State of the Union political group. He has tremendous ability in engaging all the participants and remaining supportive to all."
— Fay S. Kahan, LCSW, Mount Sinai Hospital
I’ve had a pleasure of working alongside Evan in the new outpatient Palliative Care Clinic. He is an incredible asset to the patients and the team. He is passionate about his work, has a positive attitude, and is always willing to help and share resources. He has a great ability to stay calm, detail -oriented, and always willing to step-in to support others above all in teamwork and empathy.
Diana Benitez, LCSW, Palliative Care Social Worker
Clients
“Working with you has been truly life-changing; your guidance, patience, and insight have helped me navigate some of the toughest moments of my life with clarity and strength. I’m deeply grateful for the safe space you create and genuine care you show. Thank you for helping me grow into a better version of myself. Thank you. I appreciate you.” — Debbie
“You gave me encouragement to continue working on getting better. You’re very supportive of us all. You gave me the tools to get my life back on track, and you always let me know you’re right there with me and that I should never give up. I am finally seeing the light to live my life to the fullest, even though there are still serious things to work on in my life. Thank you for showing me the Way that I never thought I had. You have given me the Hope to live a healthy, happy, and Peaceful LIFE. I thank you so very, very much.” — Dolly
“Evan has an uncanny ability to quickly help me reach a successful understanding of troubling matters. We meditate together, and at these moments I feel extremely connected. The time spent flies by. I feel we have a heart-to-heart relationship and feel blessed." –– Dennis
“My geriatrician referred me to Dr. Zazula in September 2024. I was going through a very difficult time in my life, as my husband of 40 years was hospitalized, diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, and sent to a Nursing Home.
“From my first interaction with Dr. Zazula, his empathy, compassion, and superb listening skills helped me to feel better about my situation. His common-sense approach and his suggestions facilitated my ability to better manage, adapt, and cope with the drastic changes in my life. Evan provided me with the support I needed. We spoke every week for months, and as I felt better about my situation, we eventually had monthly interactions. Throughout all this time, Evan was always available to hear my concerns and provide me with the support I needed.” –– Miriam
"When I met Evan I was going through major losses, facing new challenges from chronic complex illness, processing and grieving the many losses experienced from my “former” life, including my identity, my purpose, and the impacts on my relationships with family and friends. I was struggling to find meaning and connection given these drastic changes. In truth, I was feeling hopeless; stuck, lost, invisible, and at sea, both existentially and practically. It was, and continues to be, the hardest time of my life.
In my work with Evan, I’ve been able to dig deeper than ever before to understand myself and consider/reconsider my place in the world. I’ve been learning to say 'no,' and to prioritize my own needs, without feeling guilty. His empathetic listening and insightful questions helped me navigate my grief and find the strength to start a new chapter. Evan combines a deep intuitive sense for connection and compassion with a deep knowledge of psychotherapy. He’s incredibly warm, insightful, authentic, knowledgeable, inspiring, and present.
Working with Evan, I’ve been able to focus more on building a new life for myself and not be stuck in the physical pain, grief, and loss. Evan believes in me! And he has helped me learn to believe in myself. We’re on a journey together, and I feel him by my side always, even when we’re not in session.” –– Andrea
“Through his support, my mother has been able to continue finding moments of peace, connection, and quality of life at home, even while navigating the challenges of serious illness.
Evan has also been an incredible source of support for me as a daughter and caregiver. When my mother was hospitalized, he reached out right away, and during difficult moments, he has always made himself available, even if only for a quick phone call.
There is something about who Evan is — as a person and as a chaplain — that makes it easy to speak with him openly and honestly. He has a rare gift for creating a space where people feel comfortable, understood, and safe enough to share what they are truly carrying.
Watching the impact of Evan’s care has stayed with me deeply. It is one of the reasons I care so much about palliative care and why I believe families should not have to be lucky to receive this kind of support. My mom’s care has shown me what is possible when someone is treated with dignity, compassion, and humanity, and Evan has been such an important part of that.”
— Sasha Perez-Greenemeier, MPH, Senior Program Manager for Professional Development, Senior Program Manager for Inclusive Health Research, Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine
"It is my honor to offer my unconditional endorsement for Evan Zazula, who I refer to as my spiritual advisor. Evan came into my life when I was at my lowest point; shortly after my husband had transitioned and I was at a loss for how I could move forward. He respected my grief, was never judgmental and gave me permission to take my time to find my way out of a very dark place. Evan validated my feelings and always encouraged me by focusing on the positive. His understanding, patience, warmth and kindness eventually led me back to a lighter place! With gratitude, love and respect." –– Jill
"I have known Evan for about two and a half years as my chaplain /therapist at Mount Sinai palliative care. He helped me to get through one of the most difficult times of my life.
Evan creates a place where I feel safe and can speak openly, which helps me appreciate that I still have a future and enables me to move forward and “feel alive”. Intimacy and connection can be threatening, or they can be a source of growth and adaptation. Less anger and a more resilient, creative approach in a relationship is what I hope for.
I believe you practice loving kindness in the way you approach others. I hope to continue to learn by your example." –– Rosie
"Evan has not only been a wonderful, warm, and compassionate therapist, but also a kind and very trusting friend. I always look forward to our sessions together because it gives me great comfort knowing I have someone I can talk to and express my emotions and feelings very freely without being judged." –– Richard
“Evan has been there for me through every hospitalization since 2024. It’s been a journey of about 760 total days in the hospital. Evan has helped me through all the ups and downs. It was difficult to keep a positive mindset, but having Evan’s help, talking through it all, helped me find joy in different tasks like drawing and writing.
Honestly, this was the first time I’ve ever had to think about death. Gaining the strength to help me and my spirit to be strong enough to fight through it was definitely helpful with prayer and family, and definitely the talks I had with Evan. Thank you for always being there.” –– Nico
Dr. Evan Zazula came into my life at one of the darkest and most uncertain moments I have ever faced. After being dropped from an unsuccessful clinical trial for Stage 3 Hidradenitis Suppurativa, I arrived at Mount Sinai in excruciating pain, grieving a life I felt I had lost. As an actress who trained in theatre and performed around the world, this disease had stripped away not only my physical comfort, but what felt like my identity, my purpose, and my dream. Dr. Evan was the first person who helped me see that my story was not over. I will never forget him telling me that life is about the pivot, and asking me, “If one arm doesn’t work, how do you still tell your story as an artist?” That single question shifted something profound in me. For the first time, I believed that even with chronic illness, there could still be creativity, meaning, and a future worth fighting for.
What makes Dr. Evan extraordinary is not just his wisdom, but his presence. He has an incredible gift for helping people reconnect with their aliveness in the midst of suffering. He didn’t simply offer comforting words; he walked alongside me, helping me reimagine what was possible and encouraging me to fight for the life I still wanted. Through him, I was welcomed into a community of remarkable women navigating health challenges, where we found strength, healing, and encouragement in one another. I am forever grateful for the hope he restored in me. — Evette