1. Discussion Question # 1 W4
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.I NEED YOU TO ANSWER THIS
QUESTION, 350 WORDS NEEDED AND 2 REFERENCES PLEASEExpert Solution
PreviewIntroduction:As a medical professor, I routinely engage with the topic of death in
my work. My clinical specialty is gynecology and obstetrics, which involves managing
diverse health conditions related to reproduction and childbirth. While witnessing death is
not a common occurrence in my line of work, it does happen occasionally, particularly in
high-risk pregnancies or maternal health complications.Answer:In my experience, death is
not something that healthcare professionals ever fully get used to handling. It can be
challenging to witness a patient’s decline and eventual passing, particularly if we have built
a rapport with them and their family members during their treatment. However, as medical
professionals, we are trained to maintain a degree of emotional distance to perform our
duties objectively, and the act of losing a patient is viewed as an inevitable part of the
healthcare profession.My experience with death has helped me develop a greater
appreciation for the fragility of life and reinforced the importance of treating every patient
with the utmost care and attention. It has also helped me to be more empathetic towards
patients and their loved ones who are dealing with a devastating loss. I have found that
being transparent and communicative with patients and families helps them to come to
terms with what is happening, which can be a great comfort to them.Regarding my view of
death itself, I believe that it is a natural part of the cycle of life and that it holds a certain
amount of inherent dignity. I strive to approach every patient’s passing with patience,
respect, and sensitivity. Ultimately, what gives meaning to our work as healthcare
professionals is our ability to provide comfort, alleviate suffering, and ease the pain of those
left behind when we lose a patient.In conclusion, witnessing or engaging with death is never
easy for any healthcare professional, regardless of the clinical specialty. However, it is a
vital aspect of our profession that teaches us important lessons about the value of life,
empathy, and compassion. It reminds us that every patient deserves to be treated with
respect, dignity, and compassion, and that every life is precious. References:1. Field, M. J., &
Cassel, C. K. (1997). Approaching death: Improving care at the end of life. Washington (DC):
National Academies Press (US).2. McCormack, R., Edmondson, E., & Power, N. (2009).
Opening and closing conversations about bereavement in the primary care consultation.
