April

I must admit that I am not sure what to make of Dr Gallagher’s article, “Real doctors treat more than one species,” in the January/February issue [BCMJ 2016;58:44-45].

“Do you know anything about DNA?”

Retreating to my time-tested defence mechanism, “What?” I answered in a dumb voice.

“Well, your DNA and mine are exactly the same. The only difference is that I have stopped mine from aging. Would you like to hear more?”

Staying true to my original answer I repeated, “What?”

“For only $300 this external device used twice a day will reverse the aging process of your DNA.”

“You mean I will look the same in 20 years?”

“You will look younger. Brad Pitt calls this device his lifesaver.”

The February 2015 Supreme Court of Canada decision in Carter v. Canada will soon result in legal and regulatory changes to how we, as physicians, can legally assist patients, who are experiencing “grievous and irremediable” pain and suffering, with the process of dying. Many of us will applaud the fact that our terminal patients have been granted the right of self-determination to end life as an option to palliative care. For many patients, the knowledge of that option may be comfort enough.

Throughout British Columbia and Canada the majority of health sector emergency preparedness activities have involved first responders, public health, and hospitals, along with their associated emergency departments.