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Medicine and Doctors in Final Cut by Atul Gawande

Decent Essays

The main theme of “Final Cut” by Atul Gawande is that medicine is an inexact science and doctors are not always sure of themselves, even if they appear confident. Gawande’s main argument is simply stated: there has been a decline in the amount of autopsies performed in the medical field as a result of medical arrogance; over confident doctors believe they know the cause of death and do not want to perform autopsies. Gawande illustrates his argument by outlining the history of autopsy use in medicine, incorporating medical cases that he has experienced as a surgeon, and including statistics on autopsy usage. “Final Cut” is an outstanding profile on the decline of autopsy use in medicine. What makes “Final Cut” an enjoyable and informative article for all readers is its use of strategies associated with fiction such as the establishment of characters, balance between medical information and personal experience, and its use of active voice. It is evident throughout “Final Cut” that Gawande is an author who draws on and adapts elements of fiction such as the establishment of characters and the creation of tension and suspense within his journalism. By incorporating medical cases he has experienced as a surgeon, Gawande is able to establish many characters that the reader develops an emotional connection with. This emotional connection develops because readers are provided with just enough information about the characters to individualize them, allowing readers to care about

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