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Book Reviews

"Advice To The Young Physician targets aspiring and new physicians with the intent to make them better physicians. It hits the mark. An effective mix of the writings of some of medicine's giants, as well as clinical experiences of the author, the book offers an historical framework and personal context to understand the attributes and attitudes of the good physician. It is a quick read that rewards the reader with a sampling of 4000 years of medical wisdom sprinkled with practical advice for the modern day doctor.. . . I do not know of a similar book currently being used in medical schools. "


"Dr Colgan's emphasis on humanistic medicine molded my outlook and practice as a student. He is a teaching physician after the form of the great leaders he writes about here. He insists we remember our royal heritage, put first our duty to our patients, and honor the calling society has privileged us with."
- David A Edwards, MD, PhD, Anesthesiology Resident, University of Florida


"In Advice to Young Physicians: On the Art of Medicine, Dr. Richard Colgan reflects on the "art" of medicine and what it means in today’s culture and argues effectively for a more active and central role of it in health care training. By featuring some influential healers from ancient times to present day and drawing from personal experience, Dr. Colgan shows how there has always been recognition of the "human" side of medicine."


"This text does more than offer practical tips (which are very relevant to any young healer). It also helps to reignite a passion that exists for many who start out in training and find themselves worn down and jaded by the formal didactics and stresses that are faced, such as long hours away from family and friends, the heaviness of dealing with pain and suffering, and the culture of medicine, which at times can be cold and seemingly lacking in humanity. The reader comes to see the power of the art of medicine, that which is "outside of the scientific realm," when caring for the patient."
- Stephanie Fleegle, M.D., Second Year Family Medicine Resident, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

"....All too often, students are taught the science of medicine with less care given to the art of medicine."


"Overall, I think this book would appeal to end of 2nd year students through interns. This is essentially the time frame when students/physicians are trying to transition from the science of medicine to the art of medicine. I think that there is a need for such a book as not all schools will have someone to give students lectures or talks on the topic"


"The concept for the book - what a young physician should know - is valid, and serves to identify the audience... The book is almost two different books: There are five chapters on "great doctors" presenting historical data, selected quotes, and personal musings. The second half of the book consists of chapters telling his observations about medical education and practice. ...Dr. Colgan's writing style is conversational and personal. This book makes a contribution in it brings a useful historical context to today's medical education and practice, supported by some insightful quotations.... The book is compact, readable"


"This book . . .would be an appropriate addition to a reading list for students."


"Advice to the Young Physician provides useful clinical pearls for medical students and new interns, while providing an interesting history of medicine. In an age of technology, Dr. Colgan shares tips and advice for future doctors interested in the art of medicine."


"Dr Colgan's emphasis on humanistic medicine molded my outlook and practice as a student. He is a teaching physician after the form of the great leaders he writes about here. He insists we remember our royal heritage, put first our duty to our patients, and honor the calling society has privileged us with."