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In this poignant episode of Fixing Healthcare, cohosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr engage in a deep and heartfelt conversation with Lucy Kalanithi, MD.
Dr. Kalanithi, a clinical assistant professor of medicine at Stanford University, reflects on the enduring impact of her late husband Paul Kalanithi’s memoir, When Breath Becomes Air, and her experiences navigating life, loss and love.
Dr. Pearl begins by acknowledging the profound influence of the memoir and commends Kalanithi for her beautifully written epilogue. The discussion delves into various aspects of her journey, highlighting the personal and philosophical reflections that have shaped her understanding of life and death.
This episode explores:
- Paul’s legacy. Kalanithi shares insights into Paul’s life as a neurosurgeon and writer, his philosophical interests, and how his terminal diagnosis profoundly influenced their lives and his writing.
- The decision to have a child. The episode explores the couple’s choice to have a child despite Paul’s terminal illness and the impact it has had on Kalanithi and their daughter, Cady.
- Coping with loss. Kalanithi discusses the challenges of facing Paul’s death, the physical and emotional toll it took, and how she found ways to process her grief.
- Legacy and memory. Paul’s memoir has helped keep his memory alive for friends, family and, most importantly, for Lucy and Cady. Kalanithi explains the importance of maintaining connections with the deceased while moving forward in life.
- Finding new love. Finally, she explains the complexities and nuances of falling in love again after such a significant loss, and how it does not diminish the love and memory of the deceased.
Throughout the episode, Kalanithi offers valuable advice for those navigating similar experiences, emphasizing the importance of palliative care, finding support, and allowing oneself to grieve fully. Her reflections on balancing the pain of loss with the beauty of new beginnings provide a deeply human perspective on end-of-life issues.
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Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of the upcoming book “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine.” All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders.
Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn.