Book Review: Doctor Confidential

Title: Doctor Confidential: Secrets Behind The Veil
Author: Richard Sheff, MD
Publisher: Listen to Your Heart Press
Published Date: April 2011
ISBN: 9780983081906
Pages: 352

I received a free copy of this book from the Cadence Group for my honest review.


Synopsis:
In the hushed stillness of a late night hospital room, confronted with a dead patient and an ethical dilemma, Dr. Sheff wonders, "What's love got to do with medicine?" The answer he finds for himself in that darkest of hours, and now shares with all of us in Doctor Confidential, is "Everything!"

From the unique perspective of a nationally respected, mature physician, Dr. Sheff reflects deeply on the formative experiences of medical school and residency, giving the reader unexpected insights into the heart and mind of doctors, the experience of patients and their families, and ultimately the connection between love, medical practice, and the healing we all seek.

The unique stories in Doctor Confidential speak directly to anyone in medical training or considering a career in medicine, but also to the patient in all of us. Pulling back the veil of secrecy that too often surrounds medicine, it provides compassion, humor, and ultimately hope that, when sick and most vulnerable, each of us can be heard, understood, and deeply touched by our physician.


About the Author:
Richard Sheff, MD, is a family physician with over 30 years' experience in medicine, including serving in hospital leadership and consulting to hospitals and physician organizations throughout the country on their difficutl challenges. Recognized as a "doctor's doctor," respected medical author, and nationally acclaimed speaker, Dr. Sheff has dedicated his life to healing patients and healing healthcare.

My review:
Richard Sheff was able to capture what it really means to be a doctor in this book. Sheff writes the book in small stories about things that have happened in his life from the time of entering medical school on to well into his career. The stories make the book more personal and gets the reader involved in not only Sheff's life but to where the reader feels as if they know the patients he mentions. The writing is very good and Sheff uses the personal aspect of getting the reader involved to show how a doctor should be involved in the life of a patient.

I can only hope that this book would be included in medical training so that every doctor to be could see what it takes to be a doctor and how the doctor/patient relationship should work. Yet, I think all non-doctors need a copy of this book to see how they should be treated as a patient and not settle for anything less.

While there are a few technical aspects of being a doctor included in the book, they are few and often enhance the story as it really shows the life of a doctor. I read this book in a few hours as I couldn't put it down. Please check out this book! You can buy it here.