Caring for the Country: Family Doctors in Small Rural Towns [Paperback]

Howard K. Rabinowitz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 26, 2004 | ISBN-10: 0387209786 | ISBN-13: 978-0387209784 | Edition: 1

-An excellent resource for pre-med students and medical school advisors. -Possible adoptions for courses in Medical Humanities (pre-med undergraduate and medical school/graduate, first two years) and Family Practice Clerkship (medical school/graduate) -In-depth profiles reveal the everyday reality of the shortage through poignant stories and candid dialogue. -The foreword is written by Dr. Robert Taylor (Family Medicine; Fundamentals of Family Medicine)

Editorial Reviews

Review

From the reviews: "A collection of experiences in the lives of 10 family physicians working and living in small rural towns. … Recommended Readership: Family physicians, residents, and medical students who are interested in the specialty of family medicine." (Matthew E. Bernard, Mayo Clinic Proceedings, Vol. 80 (4), April, 2005)

From the Back Cover

This distinct book profiles ten graduates from the Physician Shortage Area Program (PSAP) of Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, who are now practicing family medicine in small rural towns. Author Howard K. Rabinowitz, MD, Director of the PSAP, invites pre-med undergraduates, medical students, residents, and family physicians to read the compelling stories of these doctors, who enjoy rich and fulfilling relationships with their patients and their communities. Providing important insights for those interested in addressing the rural physician shortage, and an excellent resource for pre-med and medical school advisors, the text brings into focus the true calling of medicine—making a difference by helping others. The book opens by discussing the impact of the PSAP, one of the nation’s most successful programs in increasing the supply of rural physicians. In-depth profiles reveal the everyday reality of practicing family medicine in small towns through poignant stories and candid dialogue. They cover the spectrum of social and professional issues that rural family doctors face, addressing topics such as the scope of rural family practice, the roles of medical schools and hospital systems, health care policy, rural obstetrics, and telemedicine. The concluding chapter summarizes the professional and personal lessons learned and outlines the future of the field. Anyone with an interest in the unique rewards and challenges of rural medicine will enjoy this enlightening read.

Product Details

• Paperback: 281 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (May 26, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0387209786
• ISBN-13: 978-0387209784
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #870,691 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Perspectives on Rural Medicine, May 9, 2008

By 

N. Brynes (Parkton, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Caring for the Country: Family Doctors in Small Rural Towns (Paperback)

I am a student who will likely attend medical school in Fall 2009 for rural medicine. I loved this book, and felt that, while at times a little hard to read (this is no beach reading), it was interesting and thought-provoking. Each story of each physician working with a rural population helped me cement my interest in working with this often overlooked area. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Pennsylvania healthcare, rural healthcare in general, or medicine for underserved populations.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I am a country doctor, September 7, 2007

By 

countrydoc "Will" (Morehead, KY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Caring for the Country: Family Doctors in Small Rural Towns (Paperback)

This is a book I cherish. It sits on my shelf nearest my desk in my office, and I frequently find myself opening it when I am tired, or worn. Once I've read a little, I get a big lump in my throat, the tears well up, and I feel better. If you are country doctor, please get this.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational stories of rural doctors, April 22, 2005

By 

Cindy Carson - See all my reviews

This review is from: Caring for the Country: Family Doctors in Small Rural Towns (Paperback)

After reading this book, I have a greater appreciation and admiration for rural family doctors. As I read each chapter, I was able to experience the doctor/patient interactions as if I was right in the exam room.
All of the doctors profiled in this book possess unique character traits that make them so engaging.

What is unique about this book is that it not only gives you insight into the medical practice of these doctors, but it gives you an intimate look at their lives. It explores how rural medical practice is intimately connected to all aspects of life in a small town.

This book was beautifully written and I highly recommend it.