In a heartbeat, you or someone you love may be rapidly transformed from
a life of health and wellness to one of critical illness. Over the past
four decades, Ronald Kotler, M.D., has treated patients who have become
critically ill. He has seen patients recover and go on to lead long,
healthy lives. He has also treated patients who did not survive. In this
medical memoir, Dr. Kotler takes readers to the frontlines of caring for
critically ill patients who are "breathless"--having trouble breathing.
Dr. Kotler shares compelling stories of patients who were near death or
who were facing the end-of-life. He takes readers behind the scenes as
he describes the importance of compassion in the care for these
patients. Dr. Kotler's inspiring stories will educate readers as well as
salute doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who make up
the American healthcare system.