End of life ethics and the importance of doing the right thing

Recently, a former clinic patient was admitted to the hospital.  This man and his family had been struggling with his cancers for several years.  His first cancer had led to a total voice box removal with tracheal stoma placement years ago, which prevented him from talking.  His post-operative condition made communication even harder for this non-English speaker, who then depended upon an English-speaking family member to translate.

Then, two years ago, …

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