End of Life Answers

O.K. Dear Reader, when I say, "Autopsy", what comes to your fertile and active mind?

My best guess would be something along the lines of ...

1. Rather Not Think About That Right Now
2. Gross
3. You're Weird
4. Anne Rice/Stephen King/Patricia Cornwell
5. All Of The Above.

Well, not so fast folks! Please read the recent article found in the New England Journal of Medicine. Here's the link:http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/358/9/873. This End of Life Event is so very important and for so many reasons.

For years and years and years I have preached to anyone who will listen the importance, significance and benefit of the Autopsy. It provides both the end line and point of beginning in so very many of my medical negligence cases. If there is any question about 'What Happened?' it almost always explains what transpired. It provides teaching, training and public education.

And, often most importantly, it provides much-needed comfort and solace to those who need understanding at a time of loss. It is, by any standard, quite inexpensive in the overall context of 'What Things Cost' and the pathologists doing the work are Honest Brokers.

Lastly, please rest assured it doesn't hurt and it is always performed with meticulous attention to detail and respect for the deceased.

So, please, please, please, decline to belittle and shy away and instead consider The Autopsy for what it really is: A valuable tool for knowledge and information.

Pass The Word. It's Important.