Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End | Atul Gawande | Talks at Google

Surgeon, public health researcher, and MacArthur fellow Atul Gawande discusses his #1 NY Times bestseller, "Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End."
Modern medicine has transformed the dangers of birth, injury, and infectious disease from harrowing to manageable. But when it comes to the inescapable realities of aging and death, what medicine can do often runs counter to what it should do. Through eye-opening research and gripping stories of his own patients and family, Gawande reveals the suffering produced by medicine’s neglect of the wishes people might have beyond mere survival. To find out what those wishes are, we need to ask. We haven’t been asking, but we can learn. Riveting, honest, and humane, this remarkable book, which has already changed the national conversation on aging and death, shows how the ultimate goal is not a good death but a good life-all the way to the very end.
Get the book here: goo.gl/AU2BCb
Moderated by Tom Smith.

[@kathiegalbreath5717]

I had the fortune of being referred to Dr Gawande when I was diagnosed with cancer. Not only is he a marvelous surgeon, he is an amazing human being and I can’t recommend his books highly enough. I have them all and think everyone should read Being Mortal. It will change the way you think about life and dying.

[@azalea1404]

What a profoundly moving talk. Particularly his story about Peggy. Dr Gawande is indeed a wonderful doctor and human being. God bless him and his beautiful soul.

[@100ActsofLove]

I know this is an old video, but it made me soooooo mad! My husband died at the age of 44 of cancer in 2009. We were given the option of hospice four days before he died. He was already unconscious by then. I was told by the doctor four days before he died, "You can do hospice, but it will take a while to set up. He may not live long enough." We should have been given the option of hospice. It would have made the last three weeks of his life so much more enjoyable and at peace and mine filled with so much less anxiety and our kids...it would have been huge for them. I do feel lucky that I was able to be there with him in the hospital when he died, but he would have loved to see his coworkers, his students, and his team one last time. While watching this video, what took me by surprise was how sad (and angry) I feel, almost 15 years later, that we weren't given that chance because they tried to keep him alive when really it was over weeks before. I just feel heartbroken at the moment. Everyone who loved him deserved better.

[@BenniesExpressionsoftheHeart]

This man is amazing. Everyone in healthcare should be required to watch this. Dying is part of living. And everyone deserves dignity and choices in the end of life.

[@amber1959]

I'm a Psychology student and this book is required reading for our class. This is beautiful and I'm grateful ❤️

[@glasstumble1677]

Oh wow. Why would this book be applicable in psychology? And isn't it terrifying reading about death?

[@kur352]

You better have gotten in makeup than osychology broad

[@cyryc]

Patch Adams wasn't good enough to get the idea?

[@TheSaba2115]

Medicine combined with compassion, understanding and humanity.

[@padminimishrra2895]

1

[@kayeemerson6892]

Yes it is it also helped me understand more of What I felt was ignoring my feelings from my PCP of 30 years. You can't give what you weren't taught. Medicine has progressed so much in my life time & certainly for a doctor who went to medical school 40 years ago. In the end we are all going to draw that final breathe. Once I do its going to be too late for remorse, remarks& regret. So do it now please whoever you are and whatever stage of life you're in.

[@cyryc]

so.. medicine + religion

[@trainghiemsanpham9018]

This excellent book is about how medicine treats patients as their lives come to an end. The writing is clear, and concise, the information extensive but not at all confusing. What a brilliant introduction to this remarkable book. Thanks

[@pseudonamed]

This is SUCH an important area to discuss. We, as a society, must stop being afraid to confront mortality. Our discomfort with it leads us to avoid thinking about it until we are suddenly faced with the death of a loved one or of ourselves. And then it's easy to just get into a panic and decide to try anything, or to feel numb and let doctors make the decisions. Everyone should consider what they want for themelves, and ask their loved ones these sort of questions about what intervention is not worth it and what should be done if they lose their mental faculties.

[@janetpattison8474]

I worked at a huge hospice for years. Consider becoming a hospice volunteer if u have a couple hrs a wk… you can read to a patient, run an errand, drive them to a medical appt., fix a meal, listen to their stories, give the caregiver a break, bring the outside world to them, give love. Many patients are alone much of the time. In nursing homes or assisted living facilities they may have few visitors. Not everyone in hospice is bedridden. Many are still up & around, & others are in wheelchairs, and can be taken outside for a walk. So many options, and such an important time in a person’s life, when the friends often disappear.

[@AniebonamVivian]

He is more than wonderful. So many are Doctors but when you see the ones with a touch of divine call, it is always obvious.

[@aperson2730]

That's high praise indeed

[@hildejutta1625]

Such doctors are Dr. Hans Diebold (German doctor in Stalingrad) and Dr. Alfred Jahn (German doctor in Ruanda)

[@edwigcarol4888]

Such a fine soul of a doctor... My beloved young brother did just like the piano teacher, with the difference that he reached his goal, not with the help of doctors but against them. He mastered that, and after his death (sep. 2016 aged 59) that is what has made me peaceful, I was / still am released that the doctors could't spoil his last months of life (6). He simply went on holidays with his two clever wonderful girlfriends and visited me on his travel. He spoke then about his death. I love his rebelled big heart.

[@kayeemerson6892]

Oh so touching!

[@rosalindglazer7454]

Everyone - truly everyone - needs to learn about and consider these critical issues. If we were less squeamish about death and dying and better able to see it as a NATURAL course of life, we would do FAR LESS to prolong life merely for its own sake (as if it were the highest value). Physicians need to be able to escort us not only to the operating room but also through the final days weeks and months of our lives so that WE can live according to OUR highest values when we have little time left.

[@DharmendraRaiMindMap]

Dr Gawande rocks ! I loved his book The Checklist Manifesto & am sure will love all his books !

[@johnyii8]

What a noble idea! Have a conversation with patient and follow through to do what the patient wants

[@bearwomansden9363]

Excellent topic and discussion of very complex issues. I appreciate Dr. Gawande's particular focus and am thankful we have someone so articulate to speak so concisely from the foundations of data and experience. It is important to have multiple voices speaking to the need to improve quality of life care for the potentially extended time period of the individual's end of life phase. I found much of value in this talk, including the discussion of systems issues and the history of how and why current medical systems/models developed. For me personally it is both a matter of the quality of the life I have left to live and the quality of the process of my dying. I see these as intricately intertwined issues. In this talk I didn't hear about the cases where (physical) pain or other symptoms cannot be well managed. I suspect there will always be outlier cases no matter how much systems improve. I don't think end-of-life care can be comprehensive without including a place for the possibility of hastening death as part of a full palette of options. I look forward to hearing more around these issues as the social discussions continue and evolve.

[@bulletproofguy5112]

This guys one of my heroes.

[@kallasusort2986]

Excellent information. My Dr. just advised me about Dr. Gawande. Deep gratitude

[@jenniferwaters1842]

A fascinating conversation! I'd love it if tech companies could figure out how to protect seniors from online scams while making it easier for them to navigate two-factor authentication, for example.

[@EdwinFeliu]

As a DMSc Advanced Clinical Practice PA-C with total patient care over 45 years, I value all patients and families and particularly invest more time and attention to the destitute, needy, illiterate, and homeless. Consequently, our clinic Google reviews reflect the quality care that is unbiased and accessible.

[@eltonjohn3236]

I learned so much from the documentary. It was tough to watch but so worthwhile.

[@yacoubgirgis6400]

I’m a 22 year old violinist and insurance professional, currently reading this book let’s see how it goes, wishing you all a great day

[@kristinemeints]

It didn't take a surgeon to figure this out but I'm glad he's speaking up. Many patients feel pressured to take treatment they do not want to keep their family or doctor happy.

[@cyryc]

or to keep their job or not be imprisoned by the government.. like the jab...

[@columbus8myhw]

"I would worry if anyone thought this was simple" - love that line

[@pmensah6979]

What a brilliant man.

[@pseudonamed]

One critique: it's not true that nobody got old until recently.. when they say that life expectancy was mid-40s that doesn't mean that most people died in their 40s.. the number was low because 1 in 5 children died before age 6 and the number is an average. The majority of people who survived childhood could easily expect to live into their 60s and to still be working into their 50s. So while it's true that far less people reached their 80s it's not true that people didn't live long (if they made to their teen years).

[@7andrea2]

This book is must read 👍👍👍👍

[@satindermullick609]

Atul chooses subjects that can make a lot of difference in people's life. Being Mortal--is an important issue that requires more involvement by patient with a medical specialists as only resources to answer questions that patients are not well informed. I have seen or dealt with 4 persons stories of their last 5 years of life in USA. First one was my relative who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She chose not to prolong life once options were well explained by specialists.Hospice care did a wonderful job of her at home and her extended family. During last week,she asked for Prayers to God to let her die quickly.Playing tapes helped her when she woke up from pain patch effectiveness. She died peacefully. Second one,had a problem with her heart.Surgery at 82 was considered risky by the best clinic ,but they were willing to do it if she was willing to be moved to a nursing home if there is problem during the surgery. Her decision was to avoid Nursing home even if it meant that she could die in 2-3 years. She continued to have heart attacks but lived independently in her home across from us for 3 years. The 3rd story -was with a woman 82 years with Lou Gerigh Disease .She chose not to use permanent ventilator but only temporary as needed. She died in one week in her house. She had given me power of attorney for her financial affairs.But she died before that was needed. The 4th story was for my first land lady who died at 93 in the hospital.She was told that she would be shifted to nursing home close to the hospital. She told her clergy to be back soon from vacation as she is going to die in one week.She did one day after her pastor came back from vacation.Her pastor confirmed her story. The moral of 4 stories: Patients are smart --doctors should provide technical information and let patients chose their "Future".

[@kur352]

That is advancing in the field of humanity and compasion, by man who is trained as athlete, whose decision in life is to cure people. He is trained so when a sprite of blood gets in their eye they continue with the mission of saving life. That is why I think that a surgeon taking a turn into calming life before death is technically defying the purpose of their chosen goal. On the board of today surgeries he has "ted talk" instead of being in

[@Sushi2735]

Amazing man and doctor. I’m so happy the man who introduced him, was able to roll out of bed and manage to read such a nice introduction. Casualness has gone too far, when you show up a rumpled mess with unbrushed hair to introduce such a fine doctor. He’s lucky he doesn’t work for me, I fired him!

[@matrixkernel]

I don’t believe in good deaths that are gradual. We struggle badly to appease my Dad in his journey to the end. Hospice and our family clinic has been rather cold to our situation.

[@safeinmyheart1]

Hi Lew. I'm so sorry to hear that. You and your family should be in complete control of your father's care. I am a former hospice nurse and I know not all care is of the same quality. When you're dealing with losing someone you love, it is especially hard to fight for what is right. Express to the nurse manager that you are unhappy and want changes made. If your concerns are not addressed properly, change hospices. I wish you and your family the very best. 💜

[@freebornfloor1600]

this was amazing

[@kathrynshoemaker7627]

He needs to go into politics. His voice needs to spread more globally. He should be working with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaide. Geriatric care in America must improve. Nursing homes get inspected and the owners get a monetary fine over and over again for deficiencies.

[@stephanieadams3747]

No. Just no. Sometimes being outside of the system is the best way to influence change.

[@juanatejeda4326]

Tuve la fortuna de trabajar en un lugar que el frecuentaba ,es muy humilde el Dr Gawande

[@lindawidner7166]

My husband died 3 years ago from stage 4 lung cancer and it spread to his brain we had respite at home but I was his care giver I gave him the medicine he need to make him comfortable and I just wanted to know if you think that's a good idea for family member to do that my husband wanted it to be me and I went with his wishes but when it was all over I felt bad because I felt like I contribute to his death

[@juvysmith8544]

Hello Doctor, if I am dying with cancer just incase, I have in my mind to remove all my blood or blood cells, dry it all. For 2 days so that cancer will starve. Then I will ask my doctor tp to replace with clean blood that has no cancer. This is my option, as an experiment. See what will happen. If I will die, I am happy at least I have tried to experiment myself. If it has a good result it will be great help to others. Hows thst sounds.?. Do you think its worth trying.? XXXX. Lovely

[@catherineto]

It would be better if the guy at the intro dressed formally to show respect to the event.

[@DLFfitness1]

So many think that they will be the exception, as they pretend that age is just a number.

[@susannichols4372]

So people who suffer from depression are completely denied physician assisted suicide?

[@stephanieadams3747]

Oh course. Because it's treatable.

[@Cathy-xi8cb]

Revolutionizing the nursing home experience is more than philosophical. The caregivers have to be skilled. That costs money; paying skilled people, training unskilled people, creating an environment in which staff and patients aren't cogs in a machine. Dr. Gawande should spend some time understanding what the roadblocks are to his fantasy. He isn't going to like what he sees. It is a nightmare.

[@edwigcarol4888]

That is why i might avoid hospitals at any costs and resort - if only the law allows it finally - to free death (switzerland 10.000 euro). For me dignity is the most valuable thing on earth.

[@deborahparrish2201]

Fantasy?????

[@stephanieadams3747]

What a ridiculous statement. It's obvious he's very knowledgeable about nursing homes.

[@jagusiff]

An amazing talk! In my work I help brands determine customer's jobs-to-be-done (aspirational, functional, emotional, and social). It has helped brands transform how they think about creating unique and differentiated products and services. It appears like this way of thinking would help healthcare as well.

[@mudassardesignspace]

If the doctors of Two generations back had thought exactly the way you thought of not fighting death till the last breath, I doubt we would have come where we are now...and this fight shall take us to more advanced medical treatment..we need to make constant efforts to excell..it will cost some painful lives now, but the medical treatment will get improved...what say ?

[@edwigcarol4888]

Future: preventive medicine, lifestyle (real bio food, sleep, movement, stress management, breathing through the Nose...). and holistic medecine. Awareness, non-profit instead of profit and fight and patients as labor's rats

[@gaurikarade2552]

I understand your point. The medical discovery has to go on but retaining the quality of life till the very end I don't think it will bother the discovery part. Rather what I think is if we focus on quality of care along with quantity then we would be able to find new ways through which people can live their life as they wish. Isn't that great to not loose independency that we used to fight to get?

[@AT-kx6fj]

All people with incurable diseases should only get painkillers to make them feel comfortable. Fortunately, in my country euthanasia was approved last year so that I will use it at the first symptoms of my incurable disease.

[@angieestey692]

Here in eastern Canada we call it" the daughter from Florida" .

[@angieestey692]

Just a random state from faraway. No disrespect intended.

[@aswinlasvegas]

Dude at 41:30, could have used a more dignified way to describe his aunts state.

[@davehoover8214]

Hate the "vegetable" word.

[@stephanieadams3747]

What he doesn't understand is even people with advanced alzheimer's are very likely to still be able to hear what is going on around them. People with advanced alzheimer's are not "vegetables."

[@peanut12345]

How many travel trips did he take? How many cars in his Homes? A Checklist for death, just like a checklist for a illness.

[@stephanieadams3747]

Why do you care about his traveling or number of cars he has? Ridiculous.

[@muhammadasim-ju1nt]

@Dr Arsalan❤

[@margeroberts2956]

People lived older then. My grand uncles lived til about104……..

[@mid7699]

Fund anti aging

[@tarzandacosta5036]

6

[@shota1330]

The able mother-in-law bilaterally pinch because stool universally snatch above a hot huge ethernet. auspicious, billowy evening