The Sad Tale of a Mechanical Pulse

In this week's Sunday New York Times Magazine, Katy Butler, California author and former Middletown resident tells the horrifying tale of the extended suffering foisted on her father and mother by the perverse incentives in our medical system to implant pacemakers.

Butler's father, former Wesleyan professor Jeffrey Butler died in two years ago after strokes, Alzheimer's disease and other ailments robbed him of his physical abilities and his mental capacity.  Her story demonstrates that a medical system which rewards procedures over health, can create unintended consequences and untold suffering.

The literally heartbreaking story takes place in Middletown, and involves Middletown physicians, named in the article, and Middlesex Hospital.