The Science of Near-Death ExperiencesJohn C. Hagan IIINarrated by Geoffrey Abegg Book published by University of Missouri Press What happens to consciousness during the act of dying? The most compelling answers come from people who almost die and later recall events that occurred while lifesaving resuscitation, emergency care, or surgery was performed. These events are now called near-death experiences (NDEs). As medical and surgical skills improve, innovative procedures can bring back patients who have traveled farther on the path to death than at any other time in history. Physicians and healthcare professionals must learn how to appropriately treat patients who report an NDE. It is estimated that more than 10 million people in the United States have experienced an NDE. Hagan and the contributors to this volume engage in evidence-based research on near-death experiences and include physicians who themselves have undergone a near-death experience. This book establishes a new paradigm for NDEs. John C. Hagan III is a board certified ophthalmologist and was the founder of Midwest Eye Institute of Kansas City. He has published more than 140 scientific articles and designed several surgical instruments. He is the editor of Missouri Medicine: The Journal of the Missouri State Medical Association. REVIEWS:“A subject currently the focus of intense public discussion, this book conveys a lot of important information in a very brief compass.” —Edward F. Kelly, University of Virginia, author of Beyond Physicalism: Toward Reconciliation of Science and Spirituality “A landmark study of seemingly trascendent consciousness reported by patients who were revived after dying. Research into such experiences began with Greek philosophers, including Plato and Democritus, but Dr. Hagan's book will be the gold standard on this subject for years to come. The book brings together historical, philosophical, psychological, clinical and neuroscientific aspects of near-death experiences to illuminate one of the deepest mysteries of human existence.” —Raymond A. Moody, MD, PhD, author of Life After Life “As editor of Missouri Medicine, the journal of the state medical association, Hagan resolved to put into words, as reasoned and rational as possible, what people in near-death states say they’ve experienced.” —The Kansas City Star “The work's authors suggest an openness to comprehending NDEs and further exploration of how these experiences may inform a broader perspective of consciousness. Overall, this book offers interesting insight into NDE research.” —Choice |