Customer Reviews

Advice to the Young Physician: On the Art of Medicine

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There are many "doctor books" targeted to prospective physicians and healers, but few address the crucial "art of medicine." It is a difficult subject to talk or write about, or even teach. However, Dr. Colgan accomplishes both goals, through a careful study of the foundations of modern medicine, and how the art of medicine has evolved over centuries, from Galen and Hippocrates to Dr. Colgan's own teachers. Besides the great anecdotes and historical background (and even poetry), Dr. Colgan also offers crucial advice to future healers on how to strengthen the patient-physician relationship, and improve the "art".
It is an inspiring book, which encourages readers to go forth and make their own contributions to the art of medicine.

Having just started my third year in medical school, I have been struggling on the wards with how to apply the knowledge I have gained in the classrooms over the last two years. Dr Colgan's book was a breath of fresh air. He took a historical, practical, and inspirational approach to conveying the quintessential elements of transitioning from "technician to healer." The book follows a logical flow, yet is broken into easily digestible chapters, each with abstracts to help bring the reader in. Chapters on the notable medical masters encourage the reader to adopt and harness the qualities necessary to become an effective physician leader someday. Practical knowledge is highlighted in the Survival Tips chapter, outlining crucial elements of the patient encounter to do everytime and to avoid everytime. He finishes with a call to continue to embody the healer ideal by always putting patients needs first. In summary, this is an inspired and soul-feeding read that left me more confident in my knowledge and skills by challenging me to recommit to the art of medicine.

I am a second year medical resident. I nearly lost sight of why I went into medicine during my intern year between the slavish hours and exhausting pace. I got this book as a gift for medical school graduation, and it helped remind me why I had chosen this path. So many doctors have gone through this training before, and this collection of wisdom was just the reminder I needed to finish the year. Dr. Colgan's warm tone and unique humor were uplifting right when I needed it most. This should be required reading!

I really enjoyed Dr. Colgan's book both for its historical perspective and its concrete practical advice. I'd recommend it to people interested in the history of medicine and those beginning to practice. As a first-year medical student, I found the advice to be very useful, and I look forward to putting Dr. Colgan's tips into use throughout my career.

Dr. Colgan is a phenomenal role model. What a privilege to have his thoughts in this book. Every medical student, resident, and 'young physician' should read it.