As I Was Dying: An Examination of Classic Literature and Dying

Medical training rarely deals with helping the dying patient find peace and comfort. In fact, most physicians are uncomfortable with the entire subject. I believe it is one of the most neglected aspects of medical care. I have spent my career as a pulmonary and critical care physician, and I have cared for thousands of dying patients. In many cases, both the patients and I knew that they were dying. After I provided clinical and supportive care, I would walk away from their bedside and go on with my work and go home to my family.

Now the world has turned around for me. I have widespread metastatic disease to my lungs and bones.

When the diagnosis of metastatic disease was made, I found myself unprepared to deal with my own mortality. I tried many avenues in an attempt to come to grips with my disease. I threw myself into work and writing. I contacted old friends for solace. My friends contacted me. I discussed all possibilities of cure with many physicians across the United States and the world and chose what I believe is the most hopeful course. And, I decided to examine the classics to see how great writers dealt with death in their poetry, drama, and philosophical and fictional writings.

I was searching for peace. I hoped I might find it either in literature or in the accounts of how great writers dealt with their own mortality. But largely, literature dealt with life rather than death. No great insights appeared. Actually, the most fascinating revelation was how rarely literature does provide insight into death. One notable exception was the poetry of Emily Dickinson, who wrote frequently about death. For me, some of her most revealing lines include the following.

After great pain, a formal feeling comes—

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