Before We Go

Hidden Faults

Shoshana describes her experiences as a young doctor and the series of encounters with the end of life that make her believe we're doing it all wrong. A pivotal moment with a terminal patient who chooses to die at home sparks her determination to change how doctors approach death and dying. Shoshana questions why, despite death's inevitability, meaningful conversations about illness and end-of-life wishes are so rare in healthcare… and society.
See behind the scenes and join the conversation on Instagram @beforewegopodcast.
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Before We Go follows the personal and emotionally charged journey of Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, a physician and science journalist, Oscar-nominated documentary film producer, producer and host of TED Health, and founder of End Well, a nonprofit organization committed to reshaping society's perception and approach to the end of life.
In the summer of 2022, Shoshana's father, Steven Ungerleider, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. His doctors were encouraged when testing showed that the cancer was related to a BRCA genetic mutation, which meant that it might respond to new, targeted therapies. But that also meant that Shoshana and her sister were also at risk for developing life-threatening cancers. As a physician and an expert in death and dying, Shoshana had the knowledge and support she needed to face the road ahead. But her journey revealed that the reality of facing mortality – her father’s and her own – is far more intricate and surprising than she could anticipate.
With help from renowned experts and some of the professionals who helped her along the way, Shoshana tells her story of love, loss, family, mortality, and the unexpected paths we take to find meaning and purpose in the face of life's greatest challenges.
See behind the scenes and join the conversation on Instagram @beforewegopodcast.