A Family of Doctors [Hardcover]

David Hellerstein (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1994

In this poignant, deeply moving book, Dr. David Hellerstein traces five generations of American medicine -- from the Civil War to the present day -- as seen through the eyes of his unforgettable family. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In a briskly flowing narrative, psychiatrist, essayist and novelist Hellerstein ( Battles of Life and Death ) records the accomplishments since the Civil War of 13 doctors in five generations of his Midwestern Jewish family. The family tree includes an EKG pioneer and the author's own father, mother, brothers and two sisters, each in a different specialty. In lively portraits and anecdotes culled from family attic archives, Hellerstein describes early, more primitive, medical procedures together with his ancestors' romances, scandals and travels, including a moving account of the liberation of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp witnessed by his father during military service. While citing modern medical advances, Hellerstein deplores today's diminished professional dedication and the advent of high costs, impersonal care and bureaucracy in medicine. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

As Hellerstein ( Battles of Life and Death , LJ 5/1/86, and Loving Touches , LJ 2/1/87) recounts his family history--the story of five generations of physicians--it evolves into something larger: a chronicle of the changes in medicine from the 19th century to the present as seen through the experiences of his family. His narrative begins with Marcus Rosenwasser in 1864 and ends with the medical career choices of four of Hellerstein's siblings, who confront the dilemmas and opportunities of contemporary medicine. Along the way, Hellerstein presents much medical and social history, encompassing the dramatic technological and educational metamorphoses that transformed the practice of medicine from a craft to the medical science of today. Recommended.
- James Swanton, Albert Einstein Coll. of Medicine, New York
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 268 pages
• Publisher: Hill & Wang Pub; 1st edition (April 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809044056
• ISBN-13: 978-0809044054
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,642,246 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My initial exposure into the field of medical literature, February 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: A Family of Doctors (Hardcover)

In general I am a mystery and true crime buff. However, a friend of mine whose taste in books I have always admired, strongly suggested I read this book, and I promptly did. It was difficult for me to put down as I found it to be utterly fascinating. Dr. Hellerstein with his literary prowess gives an extraordinary picture of the history of medicine in America (1864 to present) by utilizing his own family background. And furthermore, on a personal level, it includes the author's struggle as he prepares to continue the tradition of healing set by his ancestors. It illustrates the theory that what we truly and earnestly aspire to be, that in some ways we are. A MUST READ for everyone!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My initial exposure into the field of medical literature, February 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Family of Doctors (Mass Market Paperback)

In general I am a mystery and true crime buff. However, a friend of mine whose taste in books I have always admired, strongly suggested I read this book, and I promptly did. It was difficult for me to put down as I found it to be utterly fascinating. Dr. Hellerstein with his literary prowess gives an extraordinary picture of the history of medicine in America (1864 to present) by utilizing his own family background. And furthermore, on a personal level, it includes the author's struggle as he prepares to continue the tradition of healing set by his ancestors. It illustrates the theory that what we truly and earnestly aspire to be, that in some ways we are. A MUST READ for everyone!