Charlie Rose Season 18 Episode 2 Atul Gawande

On season 18 episode 2 of Charlie Rose entitled "Atul Gawande," the renowned surgeon and author Atul Gawande sits down with Charlie to discuss his recent book "Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End." Gawande, a practicing surgeon, is also a staff writer for The New Yorker, and his book tackles the difficult subject of end-of-life care.

Throughout the episode, Gawande talks about how medical professionals often fail to address the emotional needs of patients and their families during end-of-life care. He emphasizes the importance of considering quality of life when making medical decisions and involving patients in the decision-making process. Gawande shares stories from his experience as a surgeon, including a personal story of his father's final days, which influenced his perspective on end-of-life care.

The conversation also touches on the rising costs of healthcare and the need for more efficient and effective care. Gawande suggests that improving communication and coordination between medical professionals can help reduce costs and improve outcomes for patients.

In addition to discussing his book, Gawande shares his thoughts on the state of healthcare in the United States. He acknowledges the challenges facing the healthcare system, including rising costs and disparities in access to care. However, he remains optimistic and believes that through innovation and creative solutions, it is possible to improve the healthcare system and provide better care for all patients.

The episode is a thought-provoking discussion on a sensitive and often overlooked topic. Gawande's insights and personal experiences provide a unique perspective on end-of-life care and the role of medical professionals in ensuring quality of life for their patients. The conversation serves as a reminder of the importance of considering emotional and social needs in medical decision-making, and the need for continued innovation and improvement in the healthcare system.