Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End

Description: Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the EndBy Atul Gawande In his thought-provoking book, "Being Mortal," Atul Gawande challenges the medical profession to reconsider its approach to caring for the elderly and terminally ill. He raises important questions about whether doctors should focus on preparing people for death rather than simply prolonging their lives. Gawande argues that an acceptance of mortality should be at the core of how we treat the dying, emphasizing the need for compassionate care and the preservation of autonomy.Gawande begins by highlighting the flaws in the current healthcare system, particularly in relation to elderly patients with multiple ailments. He criticizes the prevailing mindset of specialists who are trained to "fix" specific problems, often neglecting the holistic needs of the patient. When elderly individuals are admitted to hospitals, they are subjected to a regimented system that strips them of their autonomy and deprives them of human warmth. Doctors, constrained by time and resources, fail to engage in meaningful discussions with patients and their families. The system, as Gawande argues, is heavily skewed in favor of service providers, leaving the vulnerable patients at the mercy of a heartless system.The title of the book, "Being Mortal," serves as a reminder that death is an inevitable part of life. Gawande contends that hospitals often prolong life unnecessarily, causing unnecessary pain and incurring exorbitant costs. Instead, he advocates for alternative models of care that prioritize comfort and affordability. Gawande cites various innovative approaches that aim to alleviate human suffering, emphasizing the importance of providing homely comfort and medical care to those in their final days.The impact of Gawande's book is deeply personal for many readers, including myself. I was particularly moved by his exploration of the experiences of elderly individuals who find themselves trapped in a system that fails to meet their emotional and physical needs. This resonated with me as I reflected on the painful death of my own mother. At the age of eighty-five, she was still healthy and vibrant until she suffered a fall and broke her hip. Following surgery, her mobility was severely compromised, and she began to feel like a burden to our family. Isolated and incontinent, she spent her days alone, longing for companionship and struggling with her loss of autonomy. As her condition deteriorated, she asked me despairingly, "How long do I have to live like this?" I had no answer. Eventually, she stopped eating and talking, and she was admitted to a hospital where she never regained her ability to communicate or eat. She passed away confined to a bed, surrounded by medical equipment. Reading "Being Mortal" a year after her death, I couldn't help but question whether my mother received the compassionate care and support she deserved during her final days.Gawande's message is a powerful reminder that what matters most to a dying person is not medical interventions or procedures, but rather the presence of a loving and supportive environment. The book challenges us to reevaluate our priorities and consider the importance of human connection and empathy in end-of-life care. It urges healthcare professionals to shift their focus from solely prolonging life to enhancing its quality, even in the face of mortality.In conclusion, Atul Gawande's "Being Mortal" is a profound and thought-provoking exploration of the flaws in the current healthcare system and the need for a paradigm shift in how we approach end-of-life care. By emphasizing the importance of compassion, autonomy, and acceptance of mortality, Gawande calls for a reevaluation of our priorities in caring for the elderly and terminally ill. This book serves as a poignant reminder that in the

Price: 17.98 USD

Location: Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

End Time: 2024-12-22T20:44:59.000Z

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