How do you talk about death with a dying loved one? How do you confront your own pending death? Explore the intricacies of end-of-life decisions and find out why your doctor may not be the best person to help you prepare for it. STORY AT-A-GLANCE “Being Mortal” follows Dr. Atul Gawande as he explores the intricacies of end-of-life decisions, revealing how medical training often does not adequately prepare doctors for the realities of death and dying.
The documentary is based on Dr. Gawande’s best-selling book and uses personal stories, including his experiences with his father’s illness and death, to discuss the balance between maintaining hope and accepting realistic outcomes. Dr.
Gawande advocates for a shift in medical and societal perspectives to prioritize both the quality of life and the dignity of the dying process, rather than solely focusing on curing illness. The film highlights the challenges doctors face in letting go of aggressive interventions that may extend life but can also lead to prolonged suffering and diminished quality of life. Dr.
Gawande emphasizes the importance of palliative care specialists who focus on end-of-life care, advocating for earlier and more honest conversations about death with patients and their families. This video from the “Frontline” series, titled “Being Mortal,” follows Dr. Atul Gawande as he explores the complex relationships between doctors, patients, and end-of-life decisions.
Based on his best-selling book “Be.
