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Presents a case study of an aged Vietnamese man diagnosed with deep vein thromboembolism. Medical background of the patient; Clinical manifestations of deep vein thromboembolism; Influence of culture on clinical management.

Deals with issues arising from different cultural perspectives in the United States that affect decision making at end-of-life care. Illustration of a common medical situation that highlights Western ethical principles; Examples of cultural differences; Views on cultural competence.

The article presents the author's views on the shortcomings in the health care system with regards to palliative care in the cultural and societal perspectives. The author imparts that education can bridge the gap which the culturally conservative approach of dealing with death and dying has created in the society and the medical culture. He hopes that palliative care should be accepted both as medical care specialty and as an integral aspect. It also mentions lessons learned by the author.