Care Quote by Atul Gawande
“When we, doctors, ask patients what their priorities are if time is short, what we do is we use what is available to us - whether it's geriatric care or palliative care or hospice care - to make sure they're living the kind of life that they want to live.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Being Mortal, 2014
Doctors use available care options to align treatment with patients’ end‑of‑life priorities, ensuring a life lived as desired.
In simple terms: Doctors match care to patient wishes.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize patient‑centered care decisions.
Themes
healthcare
ethics
patient autonomy
Mood
compassionate
thoughtful
Type
medical
ethical
When to use this quote
- clinical practice
- policy
- family meetings
- advanced directives
Key Concepts
palliative care
hospice
shared decision making
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you discuss priorities with patients?
- What barriers exist to patient‑focused care?
A Different Perspective
Resource constraints may limit options.
