Product Details

Richard H. Esham

The editor has selected a collection of unique experiences of physicians originally published as short stories and poems in Annals of Internal Medicine since 1994. The initial compilation of published articles appeared in 1994. The experiences of being a doctor, at times combined with those of being a patient, are expressed within this book in well reviewed and well written short stories, essays, and poems. The editor gives the reader the opportunity to share the life challenges of those who have gone before as they view the trials and triumphs of being a physician. Although written by internists and originally published in an internal medicine journal, this book contains material of wide interest to students and housestaff, as well as younger and older physicians alike. Its message and content will appeal to all physicians regardless of specialty. Those in the public at large who are fascinated by the challenges in healthcare will also enjoy this collection. The editor also edited the sections in the journal from which these short pieces are derived. He is an experienced practitioner and author and has written several books in the area of human life experiences for physicians. The book is divided into three sections. Section I, "On Being a Doctor," contains short essays describing experiences from practice. Each essay has an ethical point or theme and was selected because it was well written contained an extraordinary story or it illustrated, by narration or humor, an important life event. Section II, "On Being a Patient," is a revelation of the perspective of the vulnerable and ill and captures the view from the patient's side of the exam table or bed. In some stories aparticular illness or malady is described, while in others accounts from family or significant others are provided. Section III, "Ad Libitum," is an assortment of poetry by physician-poets who bring to verse the uniqueness of the physician's bias. This section culminates by asking the reader to select the three best poems to compare with the preferred selection of three experts. This excellent selection of short stories and poems from those published in the Annals of Internal Medicine is easy to read, without the compelling need to rush through its pages to follow a story or character. Each stands alone in providing the reader a perspective on the selected theme. It will be a welcome addition to the bookshelves of many who enjoy the unique stories embedded in the lives of physicians and their patients.

Journal of the American Medical Association

This is a wonderful collection, and Michael Lacombe should be congratulated for his excellent editing. The book is required reading for all physicians from first year medical students to retired professors. On Being a Doctor II will give medical students a bountiful taste of what is to come. The book will also remind experienced physicians of what has been.

Reviewer: Richard H. Esham, MD(University of South Alabama)
Description: The editor has selected a collection of unique experiences of physicians originally published as short stories and poems in Annals of Internal Medicine since 1994. The initial compilation of published articles appeared in 1994.
Purpose: The experiences of being a doctor, at times combined with those of being a patient, are expressed within this book in well reviewed and well written short stories, essays, and poems. The editor gives the reader the opportunity to share the life challenges of those who have gone before as they view the trials and triumphs of being a physician.
Audience: Although written by internists and originally published in an internal medicine journal, this book contains material of wide interest to students and housestaff, as well as younger and older physicians alike. Its message and content will appeal to all physicians regardless of specialty. Those in the public at large who are fascinated by the challenges in healthcare will also enjoy this collection. The editor also edited the sections in the journal from which these short pieces are derived. He is an experienced practitioner and author and has written several books in the area of human life experiences for physicians.
Features: The book is divided into three sections. Section I, "On Being a Doctor," contains short essays describing experiences from practice. Each essay has an ethical point or theme and was selected because it was well written contained an extraordinary story or it illustrated, by narration or humor, an important life event. Section II, "On Being a Patient," is a revelation of the perspective of the vulnerable and ill and captures the view from the patient's side of the exam table or bed. In some stories a particular illness or malady is described, while in others accounts from family or significant others are provided. Section III, "Ad Libitum," is an assortment of poetry by physician-poets who bring to verse the uniqueness of the physician's bias. This section culminates by asking the reader to select the three best poems to compare with the preferred selection of three experts.
Assessment: This excellent selection of short stories and poems from those published in the Annals of Internal Medicine is easy to read, without the compelling need to rush through its pages to follow a story or character. Each stands alone in providing the reader a perspective on the selected theme. It will be a welcome addition to the bookshelves of many who enjoy the unique stories embedded in the lives of physicians and their patients.

Booknews

This book is a compilation of poems, essays, and short stories, contributed by doctors and patients, to the "On Being a Doctor" section of the . The selections can be poignant, funny, or sorrowful, but in every case the reader learns more about the human side of medicine, something many patients feel is being lost. The pieces cover everything from the frustrations doctors feel with the "high tech" changes in modern medicine, to the gratitude patients feel when they receive compassionate care. LaCombe has combined a 20-year medical career in rural Maine with a passion for writing to produce several books, short stories, and essays. No index. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Rating

4 Stars! from Doody