Angelo E. Volandes Books

There is an unspoken dark side of American medicine--keeping patients alive at any price. Two thirds of Americans die in healthcare institutions, tethered to machines and tubes at bankrupting costs, even though research shows that most prefer to die at home in comfort, surrounded by loved ones.Dr. Angelo E. Volandes believes that a life well lived deserves a good ending. Through the stories of seven patients and seven very different end-of-life experiences, he demonstrates that what people with a serious illness, who are approaching the end of their lives, need most is not new technologies but one simple thing: The Conversation. He argues for a radical re-envisioning of the patient-doctor relationship and offers ways for patients and their families to talk about this difficult issue to ensure that patients will be at the center and in charge of their medical care.It might be the most important conversation you ever have.

The book explores the often-overlooked reality of American healthcare, where many patients are kept alive through aggressive medical interventions despite a preference for dying at home with loved ones. It emphasizes the importance of asking seriously ill patients how they wish to live, advocating for informed discussions about their options, including the choice to decline unnecessary treatments. By addressing these critical conversations, the book seeks to empower patients to make decisions that align with their values and desires for their final days.