Check out Dr. Ira Byock on the latest episode of Prime Time Radio explaining how to ensure the best possible care for those we love who are dying. In his book, “The Best Care Possible“, Byock emphasizes we must not only remake our healthcare system, we must also move past our cultural aversion to talking about dying and acknowledge the fact of mortality. It turns out, Byock argues, that we all must eventually balance the length of our life with the quality of our life.
I can’t believe Dr. Thomas finds comments by Ira Byock appropriate on this post. Ira Byock loves to announce himself as “Pro-Life.” He is strongly opposed to physician-assisted dying and firmly believes he – and Hospice – can make everyone comfortable as they die – no matter their diagnosis or their pain –or their wishes. This site has seemed so helpful to those of us who value our autonomy. I hope Dr. Byock’s views will be seen as just that — his views and his firm religious beliefs.