Two physicians are diagnosed with a terminal illness. Both physicians worked at Mt Sinai Hospital. Both physicians discuss dying, death, and their thoughts on Physician Assisted Dying.
Dr Donald Low, Canada’s SARS physician.
Dr Larry Librach, Palliative Care Physician.
Both physicians are articulate, and both have great rationale behind their viewpoints.
In the coming years the courts will decide whether or not to legalize Assisted Dying. Guidelines and parameters will be set.
What do we need to know in order to enter discussion and make informed choices?
First and foremost, we must have clear definition of words and terms related to the topic. (Who will define? What definitions will we use?)
Second, we need to listen and learn from those who face death, those who work with the dying, and those who care for the living.
Third, if Assisted Dying is legalized, then how will we as a society provide these services?
Your thoughts?
4 Responses
Please note that the comments made by host Lloyd Robertson that follow the wonderful and heartfelt W5 program on Dr. Librach that is linked to in this blog, inaccurately describe Dr. Librach as being opposed to medically assisted dying. This is not true. Dr. Librach’s views on this can be found in another interview he did for ctv in December 2012. Please take a moment to watch:
https://www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=887110
Judith
Many thanks for this reference to larrys interview!
Kath
Judith
I was traveling when I received your posting. When I landed in Toronto I was able to listen to this great interview with Larry. So wonderful, in all three videos to see him again, and to reflect on many conversations with him. What a great leader in the hospice palliative care movement. And what a wonderful human being.
I was thrilled to hear that he received the Dr Balfour Mount award. So perfect!
Judith, will you be at the CHPCA conference when this award is discussed and he is honoured again? I would really like to meet you if you are going to be there, and if you have time. We will also be in Toronto this coming week if that is possible.
Warm regards,
And to those who read this post, we welcome your thoughts as you listen to these interviews with Larry.
Kath
Hi,
I will not be at the conference. Howeve, if you are there, I believe a ‘life blanket’ our family made will be on display so please check it out. I’m not sure I will be able to see you this week in Toronto but please feel free to reach out anytime.
Best wishes,
Judith