Phone : (610) 621-3150
Email : bernardoguti@gmail.com
What if real care means knowing when to stop? Prognostication is a gentle call to reconsider aggressive treatment and opt for personalized, compassionate care, especially when time is short.
Dr. Bernardo Gutierrez spent over 50 years practicing medicine, first as an internist and cardiologist and later specializing in geriatrics. Throughout his long career, he never lost sight of the simple truth that medicine is about people, not just procedures.
He saw firsthand how the system often pushes doctors to “do everything,” even when it means prolonging suffering rather than improving life. That experience led him to write Prognostication: Principles and Practice, a book that challenges physicians to think beyond the default and ask, “What’s truly best for this patient?”
Dr. Gutierrez’s work is grounded in science but driven by empathy. He offers practical tools, honest reflection, and a clear path for making better end-of-life decisions, ones that respect both the limits of medicine and the dignity of the human experience.
Prognostication: Principles and Practice is a straightforward, deeply thoughtful book that poses a vital question: Are we helping our patients live well, or just helping them live longer?
Written by Dr. Bernardo Gutierrez following five decades in medicine, this book presents a remarkably human approach to treatment, particularly in relation to aging, critically ill patients, or difficult decisions. It offers a brief, four-step prognosis approach that helps doctors assess life expectancy, understand functional decline, and make decisions in line with a patient’s actual quality of life. Still, this is not just another clinical manual. It is both a field guide and philosophy. It talks about the hard stuff, when to stop aggressive treatment, how to speak honestly with families, and why “doing everything” isn’t always the kindest option.
Whether you’re a physician, caregiver, student, or someone navigating care decisions with loved ones, this book brings clarity and heart to the moments that matter most. It’s not about giving up. It’s about knowing when enough is enough.
I'm not a doctor, but I found this book really eye-opening. Dr. Gutierrez breaks down how to tailor care based on each patient’s needs, not just following a generic playbook. It made me rethink how I talk to my doctor and my parents about health decisions.
Solid read for medical folks or anyone who cares for older relatives. It explains the science behind predicting outcomes clearly, without getting lost in jargon. I only wished for more real-life examples, but still very practical.
After reading this, I feel more confident advocating for my mom’s care. This isn’t just another medical text—it gives real guidance on evaluating what treatments actually help versus those that don’t. A must-read for anyone navigating the healthcare system.
Better care starts with better understanding. That’s why we’ve created a space filled with practical, honest resources for healthcare professionals, students, caregivers, and anyone navigating the complexities of modern medicine.
Suppose you’re looking to improve patient conversations, explore ethical decision-making, or understand how to apply prognostication in real-life situations. In that case, you’ll find helpful tools here, including downloadable guides, reading materials, clinical reference charts, and real-world scenarios.
This isn’t just theory. These are insights pulled directly from decades of experience written in a way that’s accessible, actionable, and grounded in humanity.
If you’re ready to think differently about how we care for people, start here.
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