Publisher details

Author: Rodney Syme
Genre: Non Fiction
Released: 11 November, 2023
ISBN: 9780646887340

A Completed Life

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Synopsis

‘A Completed Life’ is a powerful and topical book with a focus on Voluntary Assisted Dying and dementia, an issue of critical concern to most of our members/supporters and the Victorian community. The book also explores the concept of a ‘completed life’ as well as the state of our aged care system. The book includes short relevant and supportive essays contributed by Michael Bachelard, Dr Nick Carr, Andrew Denton, Guy Pearce, Associate Professor Cathy Henkel, and Dr Helga Kuhse, with a moving preface by Rodney’s three children.

About the author

Rodney Syme

Dr Rodney Syme died in October 2021 after a 50-year career as a surgeon and physician. After treating a woman with incurable cancer in her spine, he began thinking about how to assist those with intolerable suffering. Rodney counselled more than 2000 patients, helping them deal with both physical and existential suffering, and providing them with control at the end of their life.

He also raised public awareness of the importance of advance care planning and provided guidance and support to other doctors.

Rodney was a passionate supporter of Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD). His tireless advocacy was instrumental in establishing Victoria’s Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation, the first VAD legislation to be passed by any Australian state.