No comments about Andrew Taylor Still, 1828-1917.

2 comments about Med School.

1. In reading this enthralling book, one is taken step by step through the education and life of a medical student and young doctor. You will laugh and you will cry. This is an exciting and entertaining memoir. It is filled with true stories, vignettes and experiences that will make you understand how doctors are created and why they are like they are. He pays tribute to his patients, as well as, his professors as eminent teachers. Dr. Meador's compassion and extraordinary sense of humor combine to give him an inimitable voice...one that leads you rapidly through the book... When you finish you wish it had not ended so soon.....



2. I love this little book. Of course the fact that I was in med school in Birmingham, AL about the same time author Meador was in med school in Nashville, TN, probably has a lot to do with that. Although some of the content is historical, and some frankly hysterically funny, this is how the American doctors of the past 50 years were trained. It behooves patients to try to understand this as they work on their own patient-physician relationships. Yes, medicine has changed a lot, but Meador's tales suggest that med school, in essence, may not have changed much. We have published an excerpt chapter of Med School at www.medscape.com/viewarticle/473668, if the Amazon reader wants to taste before buying.

3 comments about A Measure of My Days: The Journal of a Country Doctor.

1. This is the first book in a long time that I read with care. Usually I skim through pretty rapidly. I liked his candor and insight into his patients' lives. It was interesting how he managed to intertwine his professional life with his family. I enjoyed his constant concern about the effect of religion on his life and others. His questions about death and dying were good. It has to be of concern for all of us eventually. I recommended this book to our local librarian!



2. I enjoyed this book a good deal, particularly Loxterkamp's attention to God and faith and the notion of ministering. I admire Loxterkamp's bravery for so much soul-searching over a year of his practice. This is a book to savor for those interested in rural medicine or family medicine. I give it 4 stars instead of 5 because I found his writing a bit labored. It's slow-going reading. It's also very much about him, him, him. A good contrast is to read Verghese's In My Own Country. Loxterkamp lacks Verghese's fluid style and attention to others. Despite his efforts to humanize, Loxterkamp presents fairly 2-dimensional portraits of his patients. This book is really more of an interior meditation, albeit a very good one.



3. I had some spare time and was browsing through Amazon when I ran across this book. I have owned the hardcopy book for several years, I had purchased it after reading an article in "Life" magazine about Dr. Loxtercamp in which this book had been noted. I found the book most interesting and found myself walking through the area of Maine he practices as he went about journalling his days and his times & thoughts of his personal family time.

   I found the man and his story most inspiring. Alot of people in today's medicine either are in the field for the money or find themselves disallusioned with the field because of all the insurance buracracy. I find those people who are in their field because that is where they truly want to be and for the want of helping others to be a rare find.

   I could also follow along Dr. Loxtercamp's views and journeys of a small town doctor from working in the medical area. He tells his story compassionately and the reader can feel his humanity for others.

   Over the past couple of years, I had looked forward for another publication and writing for Dr. Loxtercamp but sadly never ran across progression of this book. I found myself wanting to know more about how his journey has progressed along in the small town medical practice.

   A highly suggested read.

2 comments about Transplanting a Face: Notes on a Life in Medicine.

1. This book was truly a joy to read. I could not put it down! Dr. Siemionow interweaves her life story as a surgeon and scientist with the developments of Plastic Surgery and Transplant Medicine. She gets your hooked with her story of reattaching the hand of a young wood-chopper and then travels through many years of research and discovery to her current work in face transplantation. It is a breath of fresh air showing the struggles and successes of reconstructive plastic surgeons, in stark contrast to the drama of cosmetic surgery that dominates news-media today. A must-read for any woman planning a career in medicine or science and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about medical science and practice!



2. I could not put this book down and I am not in the medical field. Maria really brings the reader into her personal journey as a premiere doctor, scientist, wife, mother, daughter from Poland, now living in the U.S. For a lay person, her descriptions of microsurgery I found fascinating. As the frontier of medicine shifts to regenerative medicine using stem cells, I now have a better understanding of the potential to help so many people as well as the ethical questions posed. It was inspiring to hear this story of diligence and noble efforts. The style in which it was written, really speaks from the heart and that is what I appreciated most. Cheers to Dr. Siemionow for sharing her story and educating us along the way! I highly recommend this book!

No comments about Lauren's Story An Inspirational Cancer Journey.

5 comments about Cry Bloody Murder:: A Tale of Tainted Blood.

1. The only book on the subject availible, and long overdue. Elaine DePrince writes from the heart, with a sharp eye for contradictions. Though it is a personal story of pain and loss, anyone who reads it can not come away without a sense of outrage. It is a story that should have been writen ten years ago about a forgotten group forced into the battle against HIV?AIDS unarmed and unprepared, but continues to fight back to the last man and woman if necessary. Every health care worker, doctor, and politician should read this, and if it doesn't scare them silly, they are not paying attention



2. The only book on the subject availible, and long overdue. Elaine DePrince writes from the heart, with a sharp eye for contradictions. Though it is a personal story of pain and loss, anyone who reads it can not come away without a sense of outrage. It is a story that should have been writen ten years ago about a forgotten group forced into the battle against HIV?AIDS unarmed and unprepared, but continues to fight back to the last man and woman if necessary. Every health care worker, doctor, and politician should read this, and if it doesn't scare them silly, they are not paying attention



3. The only book on the subject availible, and long overdue. Elaine DePrince writes from the heart, with a sharp eye for contradictions. Though it is a personal story of pain and loss, anyone who reads it can not come away without a sense of outrage. It is a story that should have been writen ten years ago about a forgotten group forced into the battle against HIV?AIDS unarmed and unprepared, but continues to fight back to the last man and woman if necessary. Every health care worker, doctor, and politician should read this, and if it doesn't scare them silly, they are not paying attention



4. This book serves well as both the intimate story of a family whose lives have been profoundly altered by AIDS, and an expose of the events that allowed this deadly disease to invade them.

   While the average American probably believes, as I did until recently, that the infection of thousands of hemophiliacs with the AIDS virus was an unavoidable tragedy, DePrince uncovers the awful truth that for many, if not most, hemophiliacs, infection with AIDS and the deadly hepatitis C virus was not only avoidable, but that the government and hemophilia profiteers (like Bayer "The Aspirin People") chose not to act to produce a safer product in favor of bigger profits.

   DePrince also reminds us that the tragedy experienced by the hemophilia community isn't an isolated incident. Many millions of Americans are exposed to blood products each year, sometimes unknowingly, which means anyone at anytime could find themselves facing infection with HIV, HCV, or perhaps some unknown virus making its way into the blood supply today. Blood safety is an important issue to everyone - not just those who rely on blood products regularly. DePrince also advocates for the passage of the Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund Act which provides compassionate payments to victims of this disaster along with important improvements to blood safety.

   Read this book as if your life depended on it.




5. The only book on the subject availible, and long overdue. Elaine DePrince writes from the heart, with a sharp eye for contradictions. Though it is a personal story of pain and loss, anyone who reads it can not come away without a sense of outrage. It is a story that should have been writen ten years ago about a forgotten group forced into the battle against HIV?AIDS unarmed and unprepared, but continues to fight back to the last man and woman if necessary. Every health care worker, doctor, and politician should read this, and if it doesn't scare them silly, they are not paying attention.

No comments about Borrowed Time: A Surgeons Struggle With Transfusion Induced AIDS.

5 comments about Seven from Heaven: The Miracle of the McCaughey Septuplets.

1. I have been a huge fan of them ever since I saw them on a magazine covor. I love this book because it shares feelings and hopes that at first they didn't want 7 babies but after time they couldn't bare to lose one! A must read! This is good for children to!



2. In the rush to see how many they could breed via one pregnancy, neither of the McCaughneys apparently gave much consideration to the serious long-term health problems of their miracles. This book is a continuation of the same circular logic that they subjected the world to during their odyssey.

   As a person with a severe disability myself, I have little sympathy for people who intentionally go out of their way to place a pregnancy in circumstances that can give children a disability. Both Bobbi and Kenny were warned of the risk but apparently placed public relations dreams at a much higher priority than health and well-being.

   Certainly, there is a degree of risk with every pregnancy from environmental factors, but to knowingly place children's health in danger because you have to have your own biological kids at all costs--irespective of who suffers---is selfish and emotionally immature.

   There is nothing brave or heroic about increasing child suffering when there are numerous risk factors already in this world.




3. This is the best book that I've read in a long time that expresses faith in an ordinary, loving person such as Bobbi. (I didn't mean that as an offense) She has done the right thing by glorifying God in the press and in the book. I commend her efforts, because our God is an awesome God, and if we believe and have faith, He will supply ALL our needs, and He has kept His promise to her and her husband. I know that being in the public isn't what she dreamed of, but in this way she Glorified God, and that was meant to be. :)
   God Bless You and Your Family,
   Sandra D.



4. This book was great. I had a really hard time putting it down. I have three kids so I can relate to some of the things that was said.



5. I fell in love with the Mccaughey's right after the babies births. I still find them amazing. This book was excellent. I like the way it was written from both Bobbi and Kenny's points of view. I highly recommend it. :)

1 comments about Looking After: A Son's Memoir.

1. "Looking After: A Son's Memoir" is as loving a tribute as I can imagine. It is a blend of joy and sorrow as Mr. Daniel's remembers and shares his caring for his dying mother. I have mentioned this book to friends who have also cared for dying parents and each person to whom I gave the book found in it a companion. It is a wise and honest book. As the pages progress, I had the sense that Mr. Daniels was growing more clear as to who his mother was, and in doing so loved her all the more. He lets her go at the end, with gratitude for a life well lived.

4 comments about Lifeliner: The Judy Taylor Story.

1. Shireen Jeejeebhoy has written an extraordinary account of Judy Taylor and her fight for life starting in the 1970's when medical science was not as it is today. Ms. Jeejeebhoy is the daughter of Khursheed Jeejeebhoy who through trial and error provided groundbreaking research on long-term artificial feeding for patients who would otherwise die.
   
   Judy Taylor was diagnosed with a life threatening disease at the age of thirty-four. She could not eat life normal people could eat and without eating she would die. Most physicians and specialists she saw gave her no hope and recommended to her family that she be allowed to die. Judy would not let that happen-she wanted to live to be with her family and raise her daughters.
   
   When all medical specialists gave up, one man Dr. Khursheed Jeejeebhoy promised Judy he would keep her alive. Through trial and error and imagination he kept the promise.
   
   Ms. Jeejeebhoy's ability to write on such a tough subject amazed me, she was able to show compassion for the patient and family while at the same time provide credit to all the medical personnel that went above and beyond to help this patient. An amazing story about the extraordinary dedication of doctors who were willing to beat all odds, regardless of what others said.
   
   Initially I had some concerns regarding the writing in the earlier chapters, which described in detail Judy's medical complications. There were numerous medical terms that I felt the general public would not understand and it would deter them from finishing this incredible story. However, as one proceeds through the book the author began to explain the medical terms, which made for easier reading and understanding. This would be an excellent book for any family or patient to read who has the possibility of going through artificial long-term feedings.



2. Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (2/08)
   
   "Lifeliner" tells the courageous story of Judy Taylor and her battle to survive after an illness forces the removal of most of her digestive system. Her illness began when she was approaching her mid-thirties. She and her husband were enjoying a good life while raising their three daughters in Toronto. When her illness strikes, Judy is introduced to Dr. Khursheed Jeejeebhoy. Dr. Jeejeebhoy is able to save Judy's life by developing an artificial feeding program called Total Parental Nutrition which is referred to as TPN. "Lifeliner" is written by the doctor's daughter.
   
   Judy was one of Dr. Jeejeebhoy's early patients; therefore, a lot of his success was based upon trial and error. For over twenty years they worked together. In enduring the trials, Judy had to undergo some painful and debilitating experiences. However, without these efforts, she would not have survived. Judy's husband provided her with a tremendous amount of love and support. It seemed like their special connection helped to give her the strength to get through the really rough packages. A side effect of this ordeal was how her illness affected her relationship with her children. It was very difficult for them to have to live with knowing that they could lose their mother at any time. This seriously affected them into their adulthood.
   
   Having been a pharmacy technician, in my younger days, at two hospitals on both coasts, I really appreciated learning the history of TPNs and about the amount of dedication and perseverance that led to their development. I knew that they were to help keep people alive, but did not fully understand their significance until I read "Lifeliner." The amount of time that it took pharmacists to make them in the 1980s to 1990s was nothing in comparison to the amount of time to put them together as they were being developed. This story is a must read for doctors, pharmacists and nurses.
   
   Judy's story in "Lifeliner" really touched my heart. Instead of giving up and allowing herself to succumb, Judy stuck it out. She did the best that she could to take care of her family. She kept her spirit strong and was an inspiration to others who were being introduced to TPNs. When she would go to the hospital for her checkups, she would take the time to go visit these patients and give them hope. Having been able to leave the hospital and take care of her feedings at home, showed them that they could get most of their lives back. Reading Judy's story also inspired me. During her story, she advises a friend not to take life for granted, and to make sure that she takes time to enjoy it. We all need to follow this advice, especially while we still have our health, so that we can be sure to enjoy life to its fullest.



3. "This is my third date with the knife," she jokes as she sees the surgical resident come in to prep her on the afternoon of October 21. "You ought to put a zipper in. It'd be much easier to unzip me when you want to play with my innards."
   
   Lifeliner is the amazing, unforgettable story of a young woman who becomes seriously ill at a young age and with the devoted care of her gastroenterologist survives for over twenty years.
   
   Judy Taylor was a woman of great courage and a natural fighter. She was also the first patient ever to be treated with in-home alternative feeding techniques and the first such patient to survive the longest. Lifeliner is Judy's story, but it is also the story of her devoted gastroenterologist, Dr. Jeejeebhoy, who improved upon early records of alterative feeding methods and created the Total Parenteral Nutrition system (TPN) and it's portable versions for home care. For this Dr. Jeejeebhoy was dubbed "King of TPN".
   
   Judy, trained in nursing, married with three young daughters was put on a new birth control pill in 1966 which caused the development of intestinal blood clots. These clots eventually led to the loss of her digestive system. Until then, this situation meant starvation and death, but with Dr Jeejeebhoy overseeing her care Judy became his test subject and survived long enough to be able to return home with a brand new home method of alternative feeding. Using this system Judy survived for over twenty years. For Judy this meant being a mother to her daughters, a wife to her husband and the opportunity to live life as she wanted.
   
   Jeejeebhoy, the doctor's daughter met Judy when her father was invited to a BBQ at Judy's home and was asked to bring his family. Knowing Judy personally enabled the author to contact people Judy knew and to produce a story that will live on for a very long time.
   
   Jeejeebhoy's style of writing sets the right pace as we follow Judy's medical difficulties. If you like reading about medical developments and down-to-earth humanitarian doctors and the relationships that develop between them and their patients, than this book is for you. It is truly a fascinating and eye-opening story which was well written.
   
   What I found especially entertaining was the nicknames Judy came up with for her devoted doctor -- Dr. Cowboy and Dr. JeeJee which she later shortened to Dr. Jeej. A very ill woman indeed but her sense of humor shines out throughout her ordeal. This is a must read for anyone suffering from a similar condition as well as any terminal illness that might require alternative feeding such as AIDS, some cancers, etc. If you want a book you can't put down, get Lifeliner into your hands, you're in for a wild ride with one awesome woman and the genius of a devoted doctor.



4. Book Review Lifeliner
   Lifeliner: The Judy Taylor Story
   By Shireen Jeejeebhoy
   ISBN: 978-0-595-44544-8
   Publisher: iUniverse ([...])
   Review By: Diana Rohini LaVigne, Indian Life & Style Magazine
   
   A compelling story about the history of the medical technology called Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) and a tribute to the doctor, Dr. Jeejeebhoy who lead the first research and trials in this area. Written by the doctor's daughter, she carefully balances the story between the research components done by her father and a realistic look into the daily life of his first test subject, Judy Taylor who proved to be both brave and vulnerable at the same time.
   Although most of the story is told in layman's terms, some parts might prove challenging to non-medical staff without the use of the simple glossary at the back of the book. Personal interviews with those closest to Judy, correspondences sent by her and video and audio tapes of her fundraising and research activities come together in Lifeliner in an organized manner. Arranged in chronological order, readers are taken on the journey with Judy; experiencing her triumphs and her challenges. Reading it will make you laugh, smile, cringe, cry and most importantly, think.
   
   Once you finish the book, you will take stock of your own health and that of your family's. If you want inspiration, Lifeliner has no shortage packed into its pages. An excellent book to read and pass along to anyone from those interested in true stories, medical history and those interested in anything to do with health. Lifeliner isn't just a book, but a voyage about TPN, living with adversity and the power of human will.