Louis M. Profeta, M.D., practices emergency medicine at St. Vincent Hospital of Indianapolis and teaches emergency medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine. He’s an expert on mass casualty preparedness and has testified to the U.S. Congress on the topic.

He’s a doctor with some provocative opinions and a gift for writing, which makes him not only interesting but powerful. His first book, The Patient in Room Nine Says He’s God, has received critical acclaim, including a recent essay that caught our attention. That thought-provoking piece was titled I Know You Love Me, Now Let Me Die and it instantly became a viral sensation. 

Dr. Profeta talks about the hundreds of emails he’s received after penning the piece, including the touching ones he received from patients and families going through these end-of-life decisions. He talks about the complicated relationship we all have with hospitals at the end of our lives and the serious conversations that need to occur to change the path we’re all heading toward. Dr. Profeta also explains why these are discussions that need to happen years before we’re faced with these experiences, not in the heat of the moment.

And if you think hospice is only for your final days, he dispels several misconceptions and explains how it can be a long-term solution for your sick loved ones.

It’s a fascinating conversation with a man on the frontline of our current medical environment and he will inspire you to do some serious soul searching about your own wishes.

Click here to visit Dr. Profeta’s website and learn more about his writings.