A Doctor's Toughest Case: A Girl, a Disease, a Medical University [Paperback]

Walter Bonner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 15, 2005

A Doctor’s Toughest Case is a heartwarming story that offers a unique glimpse of humanity in the often cold and impersonal world of medicine. Charleston-based physician Dr. Walter Bonner employs a delicate balance of sensitivity, humor and compassion to describe one brave young woman’s battle with a life-threatening illness. Stricken with systemic lupus erythematosus, Dianne Lewis came under Bonner’s care and through her courage left a lasting impression on his life and career. Her genuine case report is skillfully interwoven in the memoir and provides a compelling look at this challenging and fascinating disease. Bonner presents details of interviews and examinations, accounts of ward rounds and informal conversations with students and faculty members to provide an accurate representation of the disease and its effects. At the heart of the story lies an insightful and in-depth look at the inner workings of the patient-physician bond. For many years, Dr. Walter Bonner was a teacher and mentor for students at the Medical University of South Carolina. Through this moving account of an intense personal experience, he now shares his knowledge of the world of medicine with all readers.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Walter Bonner was born in McClellanville, South Carolina. He graduated from Erskine College in 1951 and from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1955. Dr. Bonner served in the U.S. Navy for two years, and did fellowship training in hematology and rheumatology at the University of Virginia. In 1963 he returned to Charleston and became the first rheumatologist in the state of South Carolina. His first book, Home in the Village: McClellanville in Old St. James Santee Parish was published in 2002.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: History Press (July 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596290595
• ISBN-13: 978-1596290594
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,989,572 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #86 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Disorders & Diseases > Lupus

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling and motivational, March 8, 2006

By 

Diane L. Kamen - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Doctor's Toughest Case: A Girl, a Disease, a Medical University (Paperback)

An excellent read - a compelling story. An in depth look at the doctor - patient relationship - taking you through the entire range of emotions that accompany a complex and severe disease like lupus. Dr. Bonner writes from the heart with a candidness that brings this true story to life. Whether you are a doctor or a patient, his book allows you to experience first hand the joys, challenges, and sadness of medicine.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Doctor's Toughest Case, October 12, 2005

By 

Freya Lamm (Charleston, SC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Doctor's Toughest Case: A Girl, a Disease, a Medical University (Paperback)

I have often wondered what really goes through a doctor's mind when they are faced with a challenging case. So often we see stories of triumph and loss from the patient's point of view-it is interesting and thought provoking to view it from another aspect. This book is written in a conversational tone that draws you in and invites you to look from the physician's perspective at a case that clearly touched his heart.
This is a compelling book that I will read again.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Doctor's Toughest Case, October 4, 2005

By 

Harriette W. Vinson - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Doctor's Toughest Case: A Girl, a Disease, a Medical University (Paperback)

I found this book to be very emotional and very touching. Written from the perspective of the physician and team, I remembered how medicine used to be practiced when the patient was an actual person instead of a case number. My husband and I are very close friends with Diane's sister, Jan, and appreciate her giving us the insight to this book. As a Registered Nurse I was fascinated with the medical side of this case. Knowing how medicine has advanced since this case it gives us all hope for the future. I am looking forward to meeting Dr. Bonner when he comes to Union.