A review by asyaqub
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande

informative reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

I decided to finally read this book after my ICU rotation. It was a very difficult and emotional month for me as I watched patients die every day. Over and over again I heard from families how their loved one would not have wanted this, to be hooked up to ventilators and dialysis machines and dying in an ICU instead of at home with their families. That experience made me think about what I would want if I were in that situation and led to conversations with my parents about what they would want if it ever came to the point that I was the one making decisions about their medical care. I encourage people to read this book and think about what you would want for yourself and your loved ones before you are actively at the point of having to make those decisions. I truly hope we find a way in our system to care for the elderly and dying with dignity.