Health Beyond the Blog: Dr. Paul Kalanithi and “When Breath Becomes Air”

Exploring the meaning of life with one man’s journey from physician to patient

by Harleigh Markowitz

When Breath Becomes Air, a memoir by neurosurgeon Dr. Paul Kalanithi, follows a doctor’s battle with stage IV lung cancer. Kalanithi’s story provides unique insight into what it is like to be not only a terminally ill patient but also a physician who understands the nuances of his care. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in May 2013, during the final year of his neurosurgery residency, and began writing When Breath Becomes Air while undergoing treatment. Kalanithi died in March 2015, less than two years after his cancer diagnosis. His memoir was published posthumously by Random House in January 2016.

This memoir explores themes related to suffering, identity, the meaning of life, and leaving a legacy. The crisis of identity that Kalanithi is forced to reckon with as his role shifts from a physician to patient is a central tenet of the book. He reflects on his experiences from both sides of the hospital bed, underscoring the need for greater compassion and empathy within the healthcare system, especially in patient care. He also reflects on the fragility of life that he witnessed in his role as a physician but appreciated on a more profound level following his cancer diagnosis. He ponders the legacy he will leave behind, delving into the intricacies of memory concerning love and loss. Together, these themes encourage readers to reflect on their own lives and grapple with both the beauty and complexity of what it means to be human.

When Breath Becomes Air is a must-read for healthcare professionals and students interested in pursuing medicine. The themes discussed throughout the memoir, however, such as mortality, memory, and resilience can be applied to a broader audience. 

When Breath Becomes Air can be purchased here or at a local bookstore.