Atmaram Gawande

Atmaram Gawande, Atul's father, who was also a physician had been suffering from a pain in his neck for several years. It was discovered through an MRI that there was a tumor growing inside his spinal cord. Father and son both concluded that surgery would be difficult. They got the opinion of two specialists, one of whom recommended surgery immediately and the other suggested it could wait until the tumor progressed. Both doctors agreed that the tumor couldn't be completely removed but only decompressed. Atul's father was fearful of opening up the spinal chord due to the risk of paralysis. One doctor grew tired of his father's questions and showed his exasperation. His father chose Dr. Edward Benzel to administer his treatment. He was more empathetic that the other doctor and answered all of his questions. Atul's father and Benzel decided to proceed by the way...