Another Quote by Sherwin B. Nuland
“I've seen so many patients, particularly elderly patients, over the years who become debilitated and changed by the process by which I cure them or another doctor cures them. And has it really been worth it?”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Medical Ethics Discussion, 1995
Elderly patients often lose autonomy and quality of life due to aggressive medical interventions, prompting doubts about the value of such treatments.
In simple terms: Aggressive treatment can diminish patients' dignity and well‑being.
Key Takeaway
Balance treatment benefits with patients' quality of life.
Themes
medicine
ethics
aging
patient care
Mood
empathetic
reflective
Type
ethical
clinical
When to use this quote
- hospital care
- end‑of‑life decisions
- family discussions
Key Concepts
beneficence
autonomy
palliative care
Questions to Reflect On
- When is medical intervention justified?
- How can we respect patient autonomy?
A Different Perspective
Overtreatment may cause more harm than benefit.
