Why is it so hard for doctors to speak openly with their terminally ill patients about death as the end nears? Dr. Atul Gawande, Boston surgeon and author of the best-selling book Being Mortal, had a remarkably candid and intimate conversation with the widower of a deceased patient and apologized for offering false hope in the end.

The story centers on Sara Monopoli, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer during the 9th month of her pregnancy at the age of 34.

The Monopoli case is one of the key stories that inspired Gawande to explore the big question of what really matters in the end.

Watch the documentary Being Mortal: PBS Link

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