Sharing the Grief in the Community

Narratives of Japanese General Physicians' Views on Life and Death

Abstract

This article examines the narratives of Japanese general physicians to ascertain how they view life and death. Previous studies have found that physicians' views on life and death are greatly influenced by their personal experiences of loss. However, these studies focused on death in general, not in the personal sense. In this article, we focus on the narratives of three physicians who inherited medical practices in their community after taking care of their parents. Their way of life and limited ability to choose freely have engendered in them a feeling of passivity, in which they accept the conditions they find themselves in and consider what they can do within these boundaries. This approach underscores their deliberate passive commitment in the face of the suffering of dying patients. What supports their practice and self-understanding as caregivers are the continuing bonds with the dead and a mutual acceptance with patients and their suffering. This awareness supports the continued involvement of Japanese general physicians in the life and death of local community members, as well as characterizes their views on life and death.