For many years, perhaps because of years spent in counseling and battling mental health disorders along with my years of human biology courses required for my degree, I have had a fascination with the workings of the human body. I believe this has given me the unique perspective of viewing the brain as one of the many places where the human body can break, get sick, stop working and be in need medical attention. The head is not separate from the body, but over hundreds of years, ideas about mental illness have led to a perception that problems of the brain represent a fatal flaw in a person's character. With these thoughts on my mind, of late, I have begun seeking out medical related books, articles and podcasts. Because of my own brain's current struggle to write in a manner that I feel can accurately expresses my thoughts and experiences I thought I would share these books, articles and podcasts that have been interesting and helpful to me. Although many of these are not specifically related to bipolar disorder; I have found them helpful. As knowledge is power, understanding the body and medicine in practice can bring, I believe, a better understanding of one's self, medical practitioners and the human beings around us.
A few weeks ago, I came across a story on The Moth Radio Hour, entitled July 1st by Danielle Ofri, MD; I have included the link to it below. The stories, one of which she shared on The Moth, can be found in her book, Singular Intimacies; Becoming a Doctor at Bellevue. After listening to her story, I immediately searched my local library for her books. I am not a voracious reader nor am I a fast reader, but I read this book in three sittings. It is a book of stories of patients and stories of Dr. Ofri as she navigates the world of medicine from medical school to residency. My take-away, among many, from the book, was gaining insight into a human being with insecurities, passions and life challenges we all experience, who happens to be a doctor. A helpful perspective of the person beneath the white coat. You don't need a technical background or necessarily a constitution for the practice of medicine, just an interest in being human and interacting with the other imperfect humans around you. https://themoth.org/radio-hour/mr-rogers-bellevue-super-markets-and-coney-island I have just finished reading Dr. Ofri's newest book, What Patients Say, What Doctors Hear and would recommend this book to every doctor and patient. In particular, I would recommend it to people who have had difficult and frustrating interactions with doctors and/or those who have chronic illnesses or diseases. In fact, I would recommend contacting your local healthcare organizations and encouraging them to suggest that all their physicians read it and then note that they have read it in their professional profiles. If I were looking for a new doctor, researching profiles, I would definitely be swayed by seeing that the doctor had read this book. Yes, I think the information is that important in providing better care! My two take-aways: 1) Doctors, from the moment your appointment begins, give your patient an opportunity to talk and get their concerns out before you start talking and interrupting. 2) Patients, bring a list of your most pressing concerns. If you can bring a log or timeline of your symptoms or illness, this will significantly contribute to helping your doctor provide the best care. In addition, bring a paper and pencil or smartphone to take notes of instructions or recommendations from your doctor. In a nutshell, doctors close your mouths and listen for a few minutes. Patients, come prepared with "data" and a way to take a few notes. In What Patients Say, What Doctors Hear, Dr. Ofri again uses stories of real patients from the perspective of a physician who is imperfect and making attempts to better communicate with and understand her patients. Ofri provides tremendous insight. Although, I would have prefered a book a little less heavy on the citing of studies, I understand the book is also written for physicians. Again, I would highly recommend every patient and every physician read this book. I look forward to reading Dr. Ofri's other books and hearing more from her. You can find a list of all her books, articles and other public works on her website http://danielleofri.com/. Up next, more podcasts, radio programs, books, articles and even a television show that I hope you will find as helpful and interesting as I have. The current book on my nightstand is "The Tale of the Dueling Neurosurgeons"; whether it is helpful or interesting remains to be seen, but the title certainly piqued my interest.
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