“Being Mortal” Free Screening and Discussion

Nov. 11, 1-4 p.m.

Union Cinema

“Being Mortal” explores the hopes of patients and families facing end-of-life issues from the perspective of patients, family and healthcare professionals. It follows a surgeon, Atul Gawande, M.D., of the Harvard Medical School, as he shares stories from the people and families he encounters. The film sheds light on how a medical system focused on a cure often skirts the conversation of the patients’ true personal wishes of what they want at the end. It underscores the importance of people planning ahead and talking with family members about end-of-life decisions. A panel discussion follows the screening that will become part of a national database on the issue.

Gawande authored a best-selling book of the same name (“Being Mortal”) after he came face-to-face with the issue when his father was diagnosed with terminal illness. The film explores how many medical professionals are uncomfortable and/or unsure of how to address terminal issues. Hispanics in the United States rank among the lowest populations who participate in advanced care planning for end-of-life issues. “We (physicians) are afraid of talking to patients about the problems…we aren’t particularly good at handling people going through the last phases of life” says Gawande in the film.

The local screening of the film, which aired nationally on PBS, is sponsored by CIMA Hospice in partnership with UTEP’s College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, the El Paso County Medical Society and several medical professionals and organizations.

Registration required: For free admittance coupons go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/being-mortal-medicine-and-what-matters-in-the-end-tickets-27391276044, or email elpaso@cimahospice.com.

(Seating is limited, register early)