Being Mortal

Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande explores the limitations of modern medicine in dealing with aging and end-of-life care. Gawande, a surgeon, examines how the medical field often prioritizes prolonging life over ensuring quality of life. Through personal stories and case studies, he highlights the importance of dignity, independence, and meaningful choices as people face aging, illness, and death. The book advocates for a shift in healthcare that prioritizes patient-centered care, open conversations about mortality, and a redefinition of what it means to live well until the end.