During the past year, I have been reviewing the contents of this unique book, The Encyclopedia of Death and Dying, and now as I am writing this preface, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect and share some thoughts on such an important matter. Let me begin by stating that I am not nor do I consider myself an expert in the field of end-of-life care or palliative and hospice medicine. Simply, I am an academic-based family physician whose practice involves providing medical care for those people who are dying. My responsibilities also include teaching medical learners about the potentials of doing great things for patients and their families during a very challenging period in their lives. In addition to my other academic duties, I write and share narratives about death and dying. Much of what I write is based on an exploration of current medical theory and well-done studies that are intertwined with my personal experiences in providing end-oflife care for patients.