This excerpt was taken from a program titled “How to Live When You Have to Die,” featuring Atul Gawande, M.D. It was recorded in collaboration with the New Yorker Festival, on October 2, 2010.
Practicing surgeon Atul Gawande discusses the four important parts of talking with
terminally ill patients about their end-of-life care. Rather than pressing
patients to make hard decisions, Gawande emphasizes the importance of asking
questions about their hopes and fears.
This posting is so timely and pertinent. The Quality of Life Index is quite enlightening, especially given that Britain has the dreaded “socialized medicine”. How refreshing to hear an acute care doctor, especially a surgeon, speaking about these conversations and choices. Another great resource is the KPBS DVD, Considering the Conversation. Thank you Mary Ann, for beginning this forum for people to just browse, maybe it will give them the courage to begin their own conversations.