The Way We Die

Leslie Ivan M.D., FRCSC, former head of neurosurgery at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, and Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery, University of Ottawa is now Emeritus Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa. Dr Ivan is a pioneer in the resuscitation of victims of fresh water drowning. During the Hungarian Revolution he fought against the Soviet Invasion and was awarded the Hungarian Freedom Fighter Memorial Medal and, in 2006, the Order of the Hungarian Republic. In addition to his medical writings he has published a collection of short stories. Maureen Melrose R.N., is an operating nurse by training. During her long nursing career, she has gained valuable insights into the fears and needs, both of patients on the edge of death and of their relatives. She has spent many years as a research assistant, editor and co-author with her husband Leslie Ivan.

History of the definitions of death Coma Persistent vegetative state The "Do not resuscitate" order Brain death Harvesting and transplanting organs Dying with dignity and palliative care The living will The right to die Euthanasia and assisted suicide Near-death experiences Life after death? Body, Mind and Soul