Paul Kalanithi an Ivy League-trained, award-winning young neurosurgeon describes how, after receiving a terminal diagnosis with lung cancer, he explored the dynamics of his roles as a patient and care provider, the philosophical conundrums about a meaningful life and how he wanted to spend his final days. A practicing surgeon, Gawande addresses his profession's ultimate limitation, arguing that quality of life is the desired goal for patients and families of the terminally ill.