The endless challenges of end-of-life care.

Death was not the enemy of ancient medicine. In fact, death was often welcome when patients were suffering and beyond hope. Editor’s note: David A. Fleming, MD, is Associate Professor of Medicine and Director, Center for Health Ethics, Department of Health Management and Informatics, University of Medicine School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri. He has assembled a stellar panel of national experts in care of the dying patient and end-of-life issues. He has laboriously reviewed, edited, and coordinated their contributions into the first themed issues in Missouri Medicine’s publishing history. The editorial board thanks Dr. Fleming for his efforts and expertise.