Playing God: a trauma surgeon's views on Death vs Science | Russell Gruen | TEDxNTU

In this poignant and deeply touching talk, Dr. Russell Gruen, a trauma surgeon who has witnessed innumerable traumatised patients to inevitable deaths in his career, shares with us, some deeply poetic glimpses into the process of dying and how Medical Science is now actively intervening in delaying it, thereby giving life a chance.

Dr Russel Gruen, as a trauma care surgeon lives a slightly different life, as he is constantly racing against time to save a person's life. Having walked alongside people who have crossed the thin line flanked by life and death, He specially cared for the seriously injured in road accidents, falls, sports and other activities. Dr. Russel Gruen is currently the Professor of Surgery at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine. From traumatised patients to inevitable deaths, he has witnessed it all in his career.

[Super-qrwm]

My child was born 3 months early by c section, she was breach and the doctor pulled her out and began saving her life . The next day he came to my room in tears, he had broke her arm . I hugged him and thanked him for saving her . I just couldn't be angry because he saved her . He was beside himself over it but 22 years later i still feel the same :), thank you and god bless you xxxx

[johnfolsom]

I died three times when I was 36 years old on the operating table but the surgeon actually reached in and pumped my heart by hand that saved my life. These are real life superheroes.

[joephysics]

As an anesthesiologist who has done extensive trauma work in the past, the one thing that I found to be the most difficult thing to do was to walk away from someone who just died in front of you. Normally we leave our patients in the hands of the recovery room nurses. When someone dies you just turn off your monitors and just walk away from your patient. It just feel so incredibility wrong.

[pgrothschild]

I am absolutely mystified why or how anyone would down vote this video.

[christopherk.]

The man is a doctor that studies medicine 24/7, the fact he doesn't know who Vince Lombardi really is means he's not slacking off watching football. I'd rather have a surgeon that knows everything about my injury rather than a new intern that knows everything about football! Anyone who rips this guy for that I can only hope you get the newbie that knows everything about your favorite tv show and nothing about you and your emergency.

[greywolfnez]

My dad just passed last week of a heart attack, the cardiologist held my mom in his arms and cried with her for over 5 minutes. I can only thank god and that Doctor for trying everything he could to save my dad.

[TommyS]

My Dad was an OB/GYN for 40 years. He wanted that because he could bring life into the world. He did see tragedy  but he saw so much life. He would give all of his respect to this Medical Doctor.

[TheBroccoliFox]

I think people somehow forget that medical professionals of all kinds, are still human. We expect perfection and miracles from them and it's not only unreasonable of us to expect it, but it's cruel of us as well. Try being empathetic for a moment. Put yourself in Doctor Gruen's shoes. Not only did he spend a large number of years in studies and training for his job, but of all positions in the medical field, his is among the most high pressure, intense and difficult. Not that any surgery is easy per se, but as a trauma surgeon, Doctor Gruen doesn't have the luxury of planned and scheduled surgeries. He gets hit with whatever comes in off the streets, sometimes with only a few minutes notice to prepare and sometimes probably with no notice at all. He then has to assess the situation as quickly as possible, form a plan and execute that plan within a matter of minutes at times to save that person's life. Now that aside, the enormity of the possibilities that he could face in his position is just mind blowing. It is probable that in his line of work, no two patients are ever the same. Nothing is ever routine. Imagine the versatility you would have to possess to be able to effectively treat such a large array of patients in the worst shape they'll probably ever be in within their lifetime. That in itself is incredible. I am grateful that people like him choose to go into the medical field. No matter how you look at it, it's not an easy job. Whether they show it or not, they all feel the same emotional pain as everyone else and to treat them like they don't disgusts me. I really appreciate that Doctor Gruen chose to share his thoughts and experiences with us. The next time you get upset with one of your medical providers, try to remember that they aren't perfect. They're knowledgeable in their fields certainly, but they're still only human.

[guldrewry]

We just had a glimpse of the stories from an emergency room. What an amazing job these doctors are doing and the things they go through ... and staying so strong because of their dedication.. God Bless them!

[margaretgolden]

What a courageous and poignant talk.  He is brilliant, yet emotional and vulnerable.  His compassion towards the dying boy was deeply moving.  I applaud his constant quest for improvement in the medical field, thus enabling himself and others to become better, quicker, more efficient.  I don't understand the "playing God" comments below.  I think the main point in the talk is that science gives us tools so we may prolong life in the face of seemingly inevitable death.  I thoroughly enjoyed this talk.

[averiefuke]

It gave me full body chills to hear that story and hear his voice shaking as he told it. I always think to myself that people in this field have to become numb but maybe some if not all never can

[teresatv]

I worked with Russ for a number of years in Melbourne. He is truely compassionate person who is a great boss, and a lovely Aussie down to earth bloke to boot.

[bluewater]

I sense a lot of compassion in his voice, especially at the end...

[peterbabich]

Prof Gruen operated on me about 7 years ago, fantastic job from a highly skilled professional. He is a quiet unassuming achiever whose strength i think is to share his knowledge and seek to implement the latest technologies.

[richardlgreene]

A Lot of respect to this DR. Just remember the Surgeon is only as good as his team. I work in the O.R. its the truth.

[billcow]

I can't imagine seeing a person transition from life to death...and understanding exactly how that come about.

[Simplythetruthfulone]

This was a real tear-jerker 😭😭 It was real and teaches us that this field is not for the unsure or non detail oriented. This is for those directly connected to the source of God and can know things before we even have to know them.

[khaliddurrani]

I have taken the same road and experienced similar moments of joy, despair and failures. Along the way When things go wrong you pray for divine intervention and wish that you were better. Give another life I shall take the same road, with more zeal, harder work. When a patient dies in your hands, you see the death of dreams, hopes and opportunities.

[TheJuryIsOut]

What a moving talk! The humanity displayed by this highly qualified clinician is amazing. A rare quality that needs to be admired and encouraged for people dealing with death and dying. I hope you find peace and healing as you continue with the outstanding work you do. You can only do so much and this is infinitely more than most people are doing.

[EM-mkjk]

what an incredible science communicator this Dr is!