It’s undeniable that the COVID-19 pandemic has confronted us with the fragility of life and the reality of death. One can scarcely watch or read the news without hearing the latest statistics about coronavirus deaths. We hear stories of overrun intensive care beds, families shut away from their suffering loved ones behind glass, and limits on visiting seriously ill people in the hospital, even if they don’t have COVID-19. But, the difficulties associated with caring for critically ill and dying people in America, whether from cancer or any of a number of other illnesses, isn’t new. Despite a medical system filled with wonderful, caring doctors, nurses, and other professionals, we often seem to prioritize treating disease over treating people. And, many families feel unprepared for the difficult choices that the end-of-life brings. Host David B. Feldman interviews palliative care physician Dr. BJ Miller, co-author of A Beginner’s Guide to the End: Practical Advice for Living Life and Facing Death, about end-of-life care in America and the lessons we’re learning from COVID-19.
