Clio in the Clinic: History in Medical Practice - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195161289 ISBN 13: 9780195161281

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2005

Synopsis

This set of essays on the benefits of history for medical practice is the first of its kind. Twenty-three physicians, who are also accomplished historians, write autobiographically about how they use history in practicing medicine. Sometimes it suggests a brilliant diagnosis of effective treatment. At other times, it consoles and encourages, not with inspirational tales of discovery and triumph but with reminders of the timelessness of medical uncertainty, weariness, and despair. History also prescribes a sobering antidote for the arrogance that tracks life in medicine like an occupational hazard. The authors are from five countries and diverse specialties. Acclaimed writer and surgeon, Sherwin Nuland, describes the sudden presence of history in the operating room. Martensen, Bryan, and Cule each discover a stalwart ally when they confront terrifying new plagues. Psychiatrists Belkin and Braslow rely on history to comprehend difficult patients (and themselves). To pediatricians Markel, Baker, Schalick, and Shein and to nephrologists Moss, it exposes the transience of diseases, both new and old. Internists Crenner, Humphreys, and Moulin are guided by history through helplessness at the bedsides of the dying. Hematologist Duffin draws on archival sources to diagnose the blood and behavior of a mysterious blue nun. Comfortable with crossing boundaries of time, historical learning eases travel over other boundaries of culture, race and experience.

About this title

About the Author

Jacalyn Duffin is at Queen's University, Ontario.

Review

"These essays succeed on many levels. At the most fundamental, they can be read as medical memoir, for pure enjoyment; several contributors are gifted writers. They can also be recommended for medical trainees, and for clinicians in general, as an excellent example of the medical humanities forming an inextricable part of practice-contributing directly to clinical reasoning, rather than artifically appended to it later."--JAMA

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0195161289
• ISBN 13: 9780195161281
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 356
• Editor: Duffin Jacalyn