How We Die, Reflections on Life's Final Chapter Chapter Summary & Analysis | Chapter 1

Chapter 1 Summary

In Chapter 1, "A Strangled Heart," Dr. Nuland relates his personal experience of an individual he chooses to call James McCarty. As noted in the Author's Note before Chapter 1, all but one name was changed in the stories the author will share. Dr. Nuland was in his third year of medical school and working an evening shift at a university hospital. Mr. McCarty had been admitted to the hospital after he experienced pressure in his chest and left side. James McCarty was the picture of an overweight workaholic who gave every indication of enjoying the good life in excess. He was admitted after experiencing severe pains and pressure in his chest and left side. His condition was evaluated as "recovering" and he was moved to a room for observation. Medical student Nuland was asked to do Mr. McCarty's admission paperwork. In the midst of doing the man's paperwork, Nuland...
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