Being - Mortal

Doctors are trained to fight death at all costs, often viewing it as a medical failure. This frequently leads to aggressive, painful treatments that sap a patient’s energy and dignity for only a marginal, often illusory, benefit.

When individuals can no longer perform basic tasks—eating, dressing, bathing—they often lose the capacity for independence. Being Mortal

As we age and become frail, society’s instinct is to prioritize safety, often at the expense of autonomy. Gawande critiques the traditional nursing home model, which he describes as institutionalized care that strips individuals of their agency. Doctors are trained to fight death at all