Being a Doctor

Unlock the profound insights of 'Being a Doctor,' an essential read for medical professionals and students alike. Authored by Hamish Wilson and Wayne Cunningham, this enlightening book, published by Otago University Press, goes beyond traditional medical training to address the emotional and psychological facets of patient care. With dimensions of 170 x 245 mm and 276 pages of invaluable content, it serves as a guide to navigating the complexities of modern medicine. Discover how the 'science' of medicine has evolved and the critical importance of understanding suffering and the human experience in healthcare. Through engaging clinical stories and reflective discussions, the book delves deep into the doctor-patient relationship, tackling challenges such as the 'heartsink' phenomenon and encounters with patients devoid of clear diagnoses. It also emphasizes the importance of patient safety and clinician self-care, making it a vital resource for seasoned doctors, trainees, and medical students. Enhance your understanding of what it truly means to be a doctor and elevate your clinical practice with these beneficial insights. Ideal for anyone passionate about improving the healthcare profession, 'Being a Doctor' is more than a book; it is an invitation to rethink your approach to medicine and patient care.

Author: Hamish Wilson & Wayne Cunningham Publisher: Otago University Press
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 170 x 245 mm
Pages: 276
Publication Date: 03-06-2013

Sometimes caring for patients can leave clinicians feeling overwhelmed with the daily tasks of doctoring. As an antidote, this book explores principles and assumptions of modern medicine seldom taught in medical school. Starting with the meaning of suffering and how the ‘science’ of medicine has evolved, the authors use many clinical stories to provide a fresh perspective on the work and roles of the modern doctor.

Based on many years of teaching family physicians, the book argues that being a doctor is much more than simply knowing biomedical facts and having good clinical skills. It explores some of the major challenges facing physicians, including the doctor-patient relationship, the ‘heartsink’ experience, and unwell patients for whom no disease can be found. The authors also introduce patient safety and self-care, two important issues for modern health professionals.

For experienced doctors as well as for students and doctors in training, Being a Doctor moves beyond biomedicine, providing useful insights that explain how both doctors and patients think and behave.