"A physician, medical historian and bioethicist, Martensen pulls no punches: beyond the marvels of modern medical technology 'lies a treacherous morass of ethical, moral and spiritual dilemmas most of us are not ready to even consider: whether to opt for aggressive treatments, when to stop them, and how to die 'well.' Too often the choice of aggressive treatment and heroic measures becomes an extended 'death by intensive care'' in grim hospital units designed more like prisons than places of healing. Thoughtful and compassionate, Martensen narrates poignant case studies, such as that of Marguerite, who undergoes ineffective surgeries and drug trials for advanced breast cancer but has debilitating side effects. The author lays blame across the board, from patients with unrealistic expectations and doctors who don't explain treatment options fully, from profit-driven hospitals to an insurance bureaucracy that spurns routine health maintenance. Martensen makes his case with clear, compelling writing that never flinches from his conclusion that some things you just can't 'win the battle against'; you can only hope for quality of life until the end. (Sept.)" Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

“Though it can be read in a single sitting, A Life Worth Living: A Doctors Reflections on illness in a High-Tech Era…is so packed with information and insight that it can change your life and the lives of those who seek your advice about caring for the critically ill.”Lisa Wiseman, M.D., Diversion  

“Martensen makes his case with clear, compelling writing that never flinches from his conclusion that some things you just cant ‘win the battle again; you can only hope for quality of life until the end.”Publishers Weekly

“A Life Worth Living is a deeply engaging book. It can be read as a self-defense manual. In fact it should be read by, say, anyone over forty-five because we are all destined to do battle with the medical industrial complex which seems quite confused about helping us out of life. Martensen, who is both an M.D. and an historian of medicine, gracefully illumines the problems we all face.” – Jim Harrison, author of Returning to Earth

“A Life Worth Living is a treasure. Robert Martensen tells compelling stories of people who are at once remarkable and familiar, and distills practical wisdom for living with serious illness. Their experiences illuminate common dilemmas and difficult decisions and shine a light on the wondrous and perilous world of contemporary medicine. Martensen writes with the insights of an experienced clinician, the perspective of a historian, and the voice of a close friend.”  Ira Byock, MD, author of Dying Well and The Four Things That Matter Most

“This book looks straight in the eye at uncomfortable truths, yet it does so in an intimate, almost caressing way. The results provoke and make this book one of the few that may change how we see the world, and how we think.”   John M. Barry, author of The Great Influenza

Martensen, a physician, historian, and ethicist, draws on decades of experience with patients and friends to explore the life cycle of serious illness, from diagnosis to end of life.