Why talking about dying matters | Dr. Robert McDermid | TEDxSurrey

As an ICU doctor, Dr Robert McDermid shares healthcare’s worst-kept secret: despite all our medical advances, the death rate remains one per person. Medical science has been incredibly successful at helping people live longer, but at what cost? By making death the enemy to conquer, modern healthcare may have caused the idea of death to become unfamiliar and frightening. He believes that creating time to discuss death with those we trust is a critical step we must all take. Talking openly and compassionately about death makes the end of our lives an important part of our lives, rather than something to fear. Rob completed his medical degree at the University of British Columbia in 1997, followed by residency training in Internal Medicine, Respirology and Critical Care at the University of Alberta and a Cardiac Ultrasound fellowship at Vancouver General Hospital. He was an attending physician in the University of Alberta Hospital Intensive Care Unit prior to moving to British Columbia in 2014.

[ArisProducer]

As a cancer survivor and a person who was misdiagnosed for years. I lived for years in pain, and once found, not one person apologized. That would be a good start.

[melodymarie]

Thank you... It's the elephant in the room most often...as a care provider, a friend, a daughter of mom with cancer currently and a nurse for a many along this road of life it's a blessing and curse but I wouldn't change it, dying with dignity and peace.... priceless.

[franceslitmanphoto]

What an honour to share in the TEDx experience with you Rob. Your beautiful, heartfelt talk is one that deserves to be heard far and wide.

[PoshIntertainment]

So beautifully said and articulated Rob. Embracing death like this makes us appreciate life even more. Easy to see how you got a standing ovation. It was very moving and enlighteneing. <3

[clairesnyman]

Thank you for a beautiful talk and message of asking what matters to patients, families and caregivers, especially during those moments of death and dying.

[avared]

Dr. Rob, you are the doctor everyone is hoping for. You are kind and you listen, I talked to you in the beginning of this year, so grateful for you and for your kindness. ❤️

[soksreymom]

His speech moves me to tear and break down

[cathylivingston]

It does come down to how we care for the ones we love.

[bruce]

Just recently I was talking to my mom and I asked how my grandmother (her mom) had passed. She told me she had a stroke in her sleep and went very peacefully. Then she says "that's how I want to go." It kind of caught me off guard but she is 67 now so I suppose it's natural to think that way when you get older. I really do hope she goes peacefully tho. I've seen others go through years of pain before they pass and I wouldn't wish that on anyone

[vanessabernstein]

Thanks for such an thoughtful and inspiring talk. Talking about death and dying is such a hard thing to do, but your words really underscore why it is such such an important part of the doctor/ patient relationship. Congrats on a fabulous TED talk.

[MultiSuzy]

Rob, once again you bring me to tears. Your voice and message is so important, and as I told you- I thought of your talk while I was in ICU last month. It was an honor and a privalage to share the stage with you.

[tubemrezambo]

amazing talk, Rob. you've touched on the essence of what it takes to be a healthcare professional in difficult situations. Your intention is clear and grand. I could only wish that all our healthcare professionals work with the same degree of compassion and care for their patients. Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts with us. You are an amazing human being.

[omniacontrariasunt]

he's so right. It touched my heart ❤️

[ananyaborah]

So nicely said.Even till today i am not able to speak normally about my partners death.Really dnt know what is there in the other side but rather the sudden death of someone we love makes us paralysed completely.

[coolbreeze]

Thank you for this brilliant presentation. Everyone will need to face death one day so no one should fear or hesitate to talk about it. The amount of time we spend on this earth is a privilege and not a guarantee.

[ChooseCompassion]

For almost 9 years in a nursing home my grandmother asked the same question thinking I would have the magic answer about why she was still here?

[routinetherapy]

To the person who is reading this comment, its okay, its alright to feel lonely sometimes, if you are going through tough times, keep pushing through, but never give up, i wish you great success in health, love and happiness!

[Kathleensailorgirl]

As an oncology nurse I always felt it was an honor to be with the dying patient 🙏🙏

[ameyer]

Good for you. I wish all our medics were as brave and thoughtful as you.

[monicavaithilingum]

I am paed Haem oncologist... and this speaks to the practice I'm involved in daily.... my mantra...". as there is dignity in life, so shall there be dignity in dying!"