Being Mortal (full documentary) | FRONTLINE

Who it's for

Families facing a terminal diagnosis often feel pushed toward more treatment without anyone asking what the person actually wants.

Feelings it meets

• Mortality
• Caregiving Strain
• Grief
• Communication

What it is

A 54-minute FRONTLINE documentary that aired on PBS on February 10, 2015, directed and produced by Thomas Jennings, with surgeon and writer Atul Gawande as correspondent. It examines why doctors often struggle to talk with patients about chronic illness and death, and how a medical culture focused on treatment can overlook what patients value.

Where to find it

YouTube, official FRONTLINE PBS channel (free); also on pbs.org/frontline.

Before you start

Heads up: Dying patients shown on camera.

Age: Ages 14+

I came to your shore as a stranger, I lived in your house as a guest, I leave your door as a friend, my earth.Rabindranath Tagore, Stray Birds, no. 272