My interview

After interviewing Kunal Gupta, a medical doctor at the University of Vermont. I am now understanding PAS from a different view. It was interesting how his answers related to panelists on panel day. Maybe it was because they were all doctors, but it seemed that the general perception from a medical standpoint was that PAS should be an option. However if the state doesn't permit it then they must follow the law of the state. Dr. Gupta stated that PAS is a way for the patient to endure less pain and torture, unnecessary medical cost, and a decrease in medical resources. Also that the patient dieing would be in a more controlled environment; an easier way to transition to death. He agrees that people with a terminal illness or suffering with no other option should have the option of PAS. Though unlike what Dr. Babbott said on panel day, Dr. Gupta stated that neither family nor doctors have the right to decide for the patient if he or she is mentally incompetent. "It's the patients rights to live or die," he said. "Doctors have the right to control pain even if death is one of the risks." Overall, Dr. Gupta was for physician assisted suicide and that it should be an option for people in certain situations.
  I thought my interview was fun and informative. It was interesting to hear what a doctor had to say about the subject and his view on it. I felt it was a little tricky to actually set up a time for the interview since he was always busy but it worked out in the end. Dr. Gupta thought my questions were excellent, which was a bonus. It was easy to takes notes as well which was surprising because I'm not the best note taker - i was able to get across the main points and add in information when he elaborated. I've never done an interview like that before and it was great way to learn more about PAS. I would definitely do it again.