The Art of Living...The Art of Medicine the Wit and Wisdom of Life and Medicine: a Physician's Perspective [Paperback]

Edward C. Rosenow III MD MS (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 6, 2006

During my nearly 50 years in medicine (closer to 60 years if you count the many years I visited patients in the hospital or their home with my physician father), I slowly realized that we physicians are losing, or never had, good bedside manner like my father and my role models did. As a result, and for many other reasons, we have lost the trust of the public. Practicing medicine has become a contract rather than a covenant with the patient. Our professionalism is being eroded.

This is a 'how-to' book for young physicians who may not otherwise learn what the Art of Medicine is supposed to be from their role models.

Many (most?) people have lost control in maintaining a balance in their lives, resulting in stress, huge debts and unhappiness. As a result, they cannot perform any job as well as their potential. We need to relearn the Art of Living.

I can summarize why I wrote the book by saying, "I wish I had known all this when I was younger!"

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr. Rosenow spent his whole professional career at the Mayo Clinic, retiring after 31 years on the staff. Prior to his retirement he was the Arthur M and Gladys D Gray Professor of Medicine. He has achieved numerous awards and honors, including the Mayo Fellows Hall of Fame Outstanding Teachers, president of the Mayo staff, president of the American College of Chest Physicians, Distinguished Mayo Clinician Award, and the Mayo Foundation Distinguished Alumnus Award. He was chairman of the Mayo Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Division. He is a Master Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Chest Physicians. he considers the Karis ("caring") Award from the Mayo Medical Center as one of his most cherished awards, because he learned over the years that many times the gift of caring and compassion are more effective in healing than the power of modern medicine.

Product Details

• Paperback: 174 pages
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing (July 6, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1412002621
• ISBN-13: 978-1412002622
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #658,578 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars If you ever wondered what your doctor was thinking......, February 21, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The Art of Living...The Art of Medicine the Wit and Wisdom of Life and Medicine: a Physician's Perspective (Paperback)

.....read this book. This book was written from the heart. For the most part, it is written for an audience of young physicians but with an awareness that the patient may also be reading. It is told from the perspective of the experienced physician, in this case the author, Edward C. Rosenow III, M.D., who worked at Mayo Clinic for 31 years who learned "that many times the gift of caring and compassion are more effective in healing than the power of modern medicine." There are two main sections: The Art of Living and the Art of MedicinePeople will find it an invaluable guide for their own life and work.

I particularly enjoyed the chapters on How to Be a Patient, Qualities of the Respected Person, Simplify Your Life, Your Relationship to People You Work With. The chapter called End of Life Issues was incredibly well done. Amazing work.

A major philosophy repeated in the book was: "FAMILY, FRIENDS, FUN/FELLOWSHIP, FORGIVE, FORGET ....... work." The book is sprinkled with quotes collected by Dr. Rosenow over the years. Colette says, "What a wonderful life I've had, I only wish I realized it sooner!"

The book is filled with lots of advice such as these gems from the section on volunteering:

"The gift of self-giving can be as simple as smiling!"
"The best thing you have to give is yourself!"
"Volunteering develops compassion, improves your self-esteem, and creates a transient euphoria."

The casual style of the writing gave me the feeling that I was listening and learning from a compassionate mentor. The book is published "on-demand." It is not a slickly produced or over-edited. I found that added to the charm. The author's voice was clear and true.

Even if you are just interested in learning more about how a successful physician thinks and works, you'll enjoy this book. I know I'll be a better patient for reading it and I'm sure the care I receive will improve as a result.