My involvement with death prior to intern year was sparse. I had only experienced death from afar. My grandparents passed away at varying points during my childhood and adolescence. I lost a friend to suicide when I was in medical school. Another was struck and killed by a car in college. I was not involved […]
A Death on Service
When admitted, his chief complaint was “cachexia.” However, his appearance when we saw him in the ED said volumes more. Thin, wasted, breathing laboriously, and eyes listless, this man was clearly a shell of who he previously was. On reviewing his medical records, the last 6 months were consistent with the same story: “unexplained weight […]
An End of Life Discussion
When working in the hospital, there comes a time for many of your patients where the transition to palliative care is possible or even necessary. While on the wards, I have been part of the care of several patients that were in the process of being transferred to hospice care. It isn’t easy making these […]
