The Last Doctor

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An urgently important exploration of the human stories behind Canada's acceptance of Medical Assistance in Dying, from one of its first practitioners. Dr. Jean Marmoreo, who dedicated her career to keeping people alive, became one of the first doctors to train in this new field after the Supreme Court of Canada approved MAiD in 2016. Over a year, she immerses herself in end-of-life practices across Toronto's bustling hospitals, hospices, and smaller community facilities, discovering that essential services are often minimal or absent. The narrative details Marmoreo's intensive learning experience with MAiD and introduces a diverse array of patients—some elderly, others with degenerative conditions or terminal illnesses—who seek her help to end their suffering with dignity. As she navigates these intimate encounters, Marmoreo undergoes her own emotional transformation, grappling with the complexities of pain, loneliness, and joy. Her experiences with MAiD challenge her deeply and prompt reflection on life's profound questions. In a time when end-of-life care is increasingly scrutinized, this work serves as a personal, humane, and authoritative guide through a challenging subject.