In 1973, Dax Cowart sustained debilitating injuries from a propane gas explosion that resulted in the loss of his hands and eyes. After his immolation, Dax became a lawyer and a prominent patients’ rights advocate. In the face of what he saw as medical paternalism, he argued that patients should have more autonomy over what treatments they receive and a choice in whether they even receive any treatment at all.
He overcame his hopelessness and found a mission in trying to persuade doctors to demonstrate greater respect for their patients’ wishes. Cowart articulated his ideas in a powerfully positive way, and influenced many young doctors in their approach to patient care.
“To make this clear,” he added, “if the same thing were to occur to me tomorrow, and knowing that I could reach this point, I would still not want to be forced to undergo the pain and agony that I had to undergo to be alive now. I would want that choice to lie entirely with myself and no others.”
Not that you have time; but here is the Dax Cowart Documentary (1 hr).