Dead Serious

About the Book

Dead Serious invites readers into the deeply human world of end-of-life care through powerful clinical stories, candid reflection, and the rare perspective of a father-son physician team. Written by two Family Physicians—one shaped by decades of caring for aging patients, the other trained in Hospice and Palliative Care—this book explores grief, ethical dilemmas, palliative medicine, and the practical realities families face when life nears its end. Compassionate, honest, and grounded in real medical experience, Dead Serious reveals truths medicine often encounters but does not always openly discuss. Some are comforting. Some are difficult. Some are unflinching. Together, they offer readers guidance, perspective, and companionship through one of life’s most profound passages. For patients, loved ones, caregivers, and anyone seeking to better understand death and dying, Dead Serious is a thoughtful and courageous guide to facing the end of life with honesty, compassion, and clarity.

About the Author

Benjamin Skoch, DO, MBA Ben is a husband, father, physician, board certified in family medicine and palliative medicine. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Palliative Medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Ben and his wife are parents of four children. He holds the distinction of being the only member of the extended Skoch family to sing the National Anthem at a major league baseball game. Michael Skoch, MD, MMM Semi-retired Family Physician, Michael Skoch, MD, has thirty-five years’ experience in clinical medicine, with areas of focus including family medicine and obstetrics, emergency medicine, and inpatient hospital medicine. He also served in administrative roles in Medicaid in Kansas and Nebraska. Mike and his wife are parents of seven children, one of whom is Ben, and grandparents to twenty-two grandchildren. Mike’s first book—Have You Seen Grandma’s Bra? —was published in November 2025.