Accepting death is difficult for patients and doctors, but it needs to be done - Washington Post

Published: October 18, 2011
by Dr. Manoj Jain

My 64-year-old patient with terminal cancer and less than six months to live wanted to go to Oregon. He was contemplating assisted suicide, which is legal there. “My life has been long and good,” he said. “I believe it is my right. I want the ability to say it’s too much, I can’t do it anymore. A person should have a dignified quality of life.” Read More

No easy cure for hospital errors / Significant gains seen in specific areas - Commercial Appeal

Fight for patient safety enlists everyone, from doctors to housekeepers
Published: October 16, 2011
by Dr. Manoj Jain

Some years ago, a nurse paged me at 3 a.m. from the hospital because a patient of mine had spiked a high fever. Suspecting an infection, I called in antibiotics. A few hours later, the frantic nurse called to say my patient had turned red and was wheezing, likely from an allergic reaction. Read More

Waging Peace - Commericial Appeal

Gandhi-King Conference to examine revival of nonviolent approach to social change
Published: October 15, 2011
by Dr. Manoj Jain

Since my childhood, I have believed that both petty and global conflicts can be resolved through the power of nonviolence.

In school, when a kid bullied me, my parents told me, "Never hit back." Since I was puny -- 90 pounds in ninth grade -- this strategy was my best option. My strategy worked. A burly, unruly kid named Tom befriended me and prevented others from dumping my books in the hallway. I reciprocated by helping him with his homework during study halls. Read More