Film Lens

The documentary 'Being Mortal' features Dr. Atul Gawande discussing the complexities of end-of-life care. It emphasizes the gap between what doctors communicate and what patients understand about dying. Gawande shares personal experiences, including his father's wish to avoid aggressive treatment and instead embrace death surrounded by family.
The film also shows the challenges doctors face when dealing with aging and dying, as Gawande reflects on his decade-long career as a surgeon. He discusses how medical training often fails to prepare physicians for the emotional and ethical dilemmas involved in caring for terminally ill patients, illustrating the need for better communication and understanding in these critical conversations.
Why Watch
- •Meet Dr. Atul Gawande as he navigates end-of-life discussions.
- •Find out why some patients prefer to avoid aggressive treatments.
- •See how personal stories shape the understanding of dying.
Did You Know
•Dr. Atul Gawande has been a surgeon for over a decade.
•Gawande wrote about a woman diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer during her ninth month of pregnancy.
•The documentary is based on Gawande's best-selling book 'Being Mortal'.
Perfect For
Healthcare professionalsFamily caregiversIndividuals facing terminal illness