Jerome Groopman, in his foreword to "Writer, M. D.," edited by Leah Kaminsky, says that "a physician works at the border between science and the soul." This collection of non-fiction essays and fictional stories by doctor-writers supports Dr. Groopman's statement. Not only do the authors explore such themes as medical training, a student's relationship with her cadaver, and the potential and limitations of surgery, but they also branch out into areas that are less tangible and more psychological: the misery and humiliation of illness and aging, our fear of death, and the desolation of a lengthy marriage gone sour are some examples. Nick Earls, in his short story, "Dog 1, Dog 2," even takes a whimsical look at what might happen if a researcher begins to identify too closely with his test animals.
Leah Kaminsky has assembled a stellar group of contributors. Among them are Abraham Verghese, Perri Klass, Pauline Chen, Atul Gawande, Irvin Yalom, Oliver Sacks, and Robert J. Lifton. The pieces vary in age and origin; some are decades old, others were written in the last few years. Some were originally published in periodicals or journals, while others were excerpted from larger works. Kaminsky chose well; most of the essays and stories are intense, poignant, and insightful.
"Intensive Care," by Danielle Ofri is a standout. Dr. Ofri writes about Dr. Sitkin, the outrageous and insulting attending physician who supervised her during her ICU rotation at Bellevue. Dr. Sitkin, treated his residents with condescension and appeared unsympathetic towards many of his patients. He even made horrifyingly tasteless jokes on rounds. Only later did Dr. Ofri realize how vulnerable Dr. Sitkin really was. For those who have read and enjoyed the wonderful books by Sacks, Gawande, Chen, et al, the impressive quality of "Writer, M. D." will come as no surprise. There is humor, pathos, wisdom, and pain in these pages, demonstrating that "it is through writing that many doctors have plumbed the depths and richness of their experience and, in turn, used this to explore their patients' inner lives."
