• Poetry & Literature

    Robert Martensen - A Life Worth Living: A Doctor’s Reflections on Illness in a High-Tech Era

    Robert Martensen - A Life Worth Living: A Doctor’s Reflections on Illness in a High-Tech Era

    Kepler's Bookstore

    October 6, 2008

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    Critical illness is a fact of life. Even those of us who enjoy decades of good health are touched by it eventually, either in our own lives or in those of our loved ones. And when this happens, we grapple with serious and often confusing choices about how best to live with our afflictions.

    A physician, medical historian and bioethicist, Martensen pulls no punches. Beyond the marvels of modern medical technology lies a treacherous morass of ethical, moral and spiritual dilemmas most of us are not ready to even consider: whether to opt for aggressive treatments, when to stop them, and how to die “well.” Too often the choice of aggressive treatment and heroic measures becomes an extended “death by intensive care” in grim hospital units designed more like prisons than places of healing.

    Thoughtful and compassionate, Martensen narrates poignant case studies, such as that of Marguerite, who undergoes ineffective surgeries and drug trials for advanced breast cancer but has debilitating side effects. The author lays blame across the board, from patients with unrealistic expectations and doctors who don’t explain treatment options fully, from profit-driven hospitals to an insurance bureaucracy that spurns routine health maintenance. Martensen makes his case with clear, compelling writing that never flinches from his conclusion that some things you just can't “win the battle against”; you can only hope for quality of life until the end.”

    Robert Martensen has held several professorships. Recently, he joined the National Institutes of Health as director of its Office of History and Museum.

    • Ticket Info

      Tickets: Free

      Info Phone: 650-324-4321

    • Dates & Times

      Dates:
      October 6, 2008

      Times:
      7:30pm

    • Venue Info

      Kepler's Books

      1010 El Camino Real Menlo Park, CA 94025

      Full map and directions

    • Parking Info

      Free underground and nearby street parking.

    • Accessibility Info
      • Wheelchair Access

    • NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is accurate, however it's a good idea to visit the website or call the venue to verify the information.

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