A conversation about a difficult and challenging subject: how to deal with hastening death to relieve irremediable suffering by “physician-assisted suicide” (also known as MAiD: Medical Assistance in Dying) from the perspective of an observant Jewish palliative care physician.
Dr. Albert Kirshen is a modern orthodox Jew who came to palliative care after training in internal medicine and geriatrics. He is an Associate Professor, Family and Community Medicine and Internal Medicine, at the University of Toronto, with a Master’s degree in Community Health Sciences, and another Master’s degree in Medical Education. His daughter calls him a perpetual student. He is proud to have lost his identity to his wife, children, and grandchildren. Dr. Kirshen is a self-confessed addict of bad jokes and science fiction.