This study discusses the main themes and research related to Thanatology, studies of death and dying. The pioneer experts who wrote the early works that systematize the area are presented: Herman Feifel, Robert Kastenbaum and Elizabeth Kübler-Ross, as well as the main themes of study: bereavement, violence and war, death and TV, palliative care, training of health and education professionals to deal with people experiencing loss and death. Further studies to develop Thanatology in Brazil are proposed.
Death education; Health professionals; Caregivers; Professional education