1 Assessment Description
How often do you engage with or witness death in your work? How has this experience or the lack of it shaped your view of death? Has it gotten easier or harder for you to accept the fact of death? As you explain, include your clinical specialty. 400 words
2 Assessment Description
Reflect on the analysis of the sin of suicide and, thus, euthanasia from the topic readings. Do you agree? Why or why not? Refer to the lecture and topic readings in your response. 400 words
Expert Solution Preview
Assessment 1:
As a medical professor who specializes in oncology, I encounter death quite frequently. Due to the nature of my work, I have seen patients of all ages succumb to various forms of cancer. Seeing death so frequently has definitely shaped my view of death. Initially, it was a difficult experience for me, particularly when I first started my career. I found it challenging to accept the fact that someone’s life could be extinguished so suddenly. However, as I progressed in my career, I have become more accepting of the inevitable nature of life. I have learned to appreciate every moment and appreciate the gift of life in a more profound way. Although death brings with it many sad emotions, I try to focus on the positive impact that the patient’s life had on others.
Assessment 2:
In my opinion, suicide is a particularly challenging issue for healthcare providers. Suicide and euthanasia are sins from a moral perspective, and it is dangerous to categorize healthcare providers who provide end-of-life care as people who offer euthanasia. It is vital to understand the difference between providing comfort care to a dying patient and intentionally ending their life. It is also important to recognize the patient’s right to make their own decisions about their treatment and care. Ultimately, the decision to end one’s life is a very personal choice, and we need to ensure that we are providing patients with the necessary resources and support to make informed decisions about their care. We should not discourage people from wanting to live, but we should not criticize those who choose differently. It is a challenging moral dilemma that healthcare providers must continue to navigate with empathy, compassion, and open dialogue.