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Paul Kalanithi

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description Paul Kalanithi Overview

Paul Kalanithi was an American neurosurgeon and writer whose work examined medicine, mortality, identity, and the search for meaning. While completing his training at Stanford, he was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer and began writing about the transition from physician to patient. His memoir, "When Breath Becomes Air," was published posthumously and addresses both the clinical realities of serious illness and the personal decisions faced by patients, families, and doctors.

help Paul Kalanithi FAQ

What book did Paul Kalanithi write?

Paul Kalanithi wrote the memoir 'When Breath Becomes Air,' published posthumously in 2016. The book chronicles his transition from neurosurgeon to patient after being diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer and became a New York Times bestseller.

Where was Paul Kalanithi a neurosurgery resident?

Paul Kalanithi was completing his neurosurgery residency at Stanford University School of Medicine when he was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. He held degrees in English literature and human biology from Stanford before attending medical school at Yale.

Did Paul Kalanithi finish his medical training before he died?

Yes, Paul Kalanithi completed his neurosurgery residency and graduated shortly before his death in March 2015 at age 37. He resumed surgical duties during his treatment and finished the program despite his illness.

Who finished writing When Breath Becomes Air after Paul Kalanithi's death?

The epilogue to 'When Breath Becomes Air' was written by Paul Kalanithi's wife, Dr. Lucy Kalanithi, also a physician at Stanford. She completed the memoir's final section and helped bring the book to publication.