Fresh Air

Living At The 'Interface Of Life And Death'

12.03.2019 - By NPRPlay

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When BJ Miller was a college sophomore he was out late with some friends and climbed onto a parked commuter train. In a freak accident, he was electrocuted and eventually lost both legs below the knee and half of one arm. The experience led him to pursue a career in end-of-life care and palliative medicine, which he describes as "the treatment of suffering." He talks about how he draws inspiration from his disability, and how he helps patients in their final moments. His book is 'A Beginners Guide to the End.'

Also, book critic Maureen Corrigan picks her top 10 books of 2019.

The best way to support Fresh Air is by donating to your local station. Go to donate.npr.org/freshair.

More episodes from Fresh Air