2009 Articles

Attending to the pain of the dying: an agenda for science

Pollack, Robert

The editorial "Attending to the Pain of the Dying: An Agenda for Science" by Robert Pollack, published in the Journal of Medical Perspectives in 2009, advocates for a significant shift in the focus of medical science toward the care of dying patients. Pollack argues that modern medicine has neglected the needs of the dying, often treating old age, dying, and death with indifference. He highlights the importance of addressing the physical and emotional pain experienced by those at the end of life, emphasizing the need for new research dedicated to understanding and alleviating this pain. Pollack calls for the integration of scientific advances with the compassionate care provided by hospices, suggesting that a better understanding of the mechanisms of pain could lead to the development of more effective painkillers and treatments. He also critiques the current medical practices that often isolate dying patients, depriving them of dignity and human connection in their final days. Pollack urges the medical community to recognize the value of life until its very end and to ensure that dying is as peaceful and pain-free as possible.