A Life in Medicine: A Literary Anthology

By Rachel Naomi Remen, Penny Armstrong, Abraham Verghese, et al.

Book Overview

"Excellent" poetry and prose about physicians and their patients, by Raymond Carver, Kay Redfield Jamison, Rachel Naomi Remen, and more (Library Journal).

A Life in Medicine collects stories, poems, and essays by and for those in the healing profession, who are struggling to keep up with the science while staying true to the humanitarian goals at the heart of their work. Organized around the central themes of altruism, knowledge, skill, and duty, the book includes contributions from well-known authors, doctors, nurses, practitioners, and patients. Provocative and moving pieces address what it means to care for a life in a century of unprecedented scientific advances, examining issues of hope and healing from both ends of the stethoscope.

"An anthology of lasting appeal to those interested in medicine, well-written literature, and a sympathetic understanding of human life." --Booklist

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1565848497
• ISBN13: 9781565848498
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: New Press
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 1.06 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.3" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Another Five-Star Vote

-Just wanted to add another five-star vote for this excellent anthology. -The NEJM review from 2002 does a fine job of summarizing the text so I won't add much here. My perspective is as a clinician for 25 years. -I found the book was realistic, knowledgeable, and often solidly humorous, and often found myself thinking I had experienced something very similar to what the authors were reporting. THis is the kind of book that gives a "booster shot" to your determination to try to be a decent clinician -- similar to that given by people such as Rachel Remen, who remind you of the sacredness of your profession not because it is perfect, but because it is an attempt to do some good in a world where so much suffering exists.

A truly fine blend of literary accounts and health issues

Poems, essays and stories by those involved in the healing profession make A Life In Medicine: A Literary Anthology a truly fine blend of literary accounts and health issues, organized around central themes of altruism, knowledge, skill and duty. Doctors, nurses and health practitioners alike consider what it means to care for patients in a century of rapidly-changing scientific advancements.

A literary look at the human side of medicine

Whenever I see a book with Robert Coles name on it I know it will be worthwhile to read. Coles served as one of several editors of A Life in Medicine: A Literary Anthology and the selections within are outstanding. They include poems, essays, short stories, and excerpts from longer works. The authors range from those working in the field (nurses, medical students, midwives, and physicians) to those not commonly associated with the field (e.g., Raymond Carver).The book is thought provoking and emphasizes how we are all connected to the process of life and death. As a physician (with writing as an avocation) I thought it offered a wonderful look at the many facets of medical care and those that deliver it.This book would be a wonderful gift for anyone in the profession but can be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in the human condition.