Jorge Enrique Bayter spoke bluntly about the deaths of his patients. In a video shared on Instagram and TikTok, the Colombian doctor said that he never cried over anyone in intensive care and that he found it “a hassle” to go out and announce a death because he wasn’t sad.
He also questioned the idea that a death occurs because “it was their time” and maintained that each person decides their own death. The statement sparked criticism from users who pointed to a lack of respect and empathy; others defended his frankness and said he was trying to raise the alarm about preventing chronic diseases.
Bayter, a specialist in anesthesiology and critical care medicine, shares medical messages “even if they hurt”. Now, his words raise a question: does bluntness raise awareness or hurt those going through grief?