Advice to the Healer - 2nd Edition by Richard Colgan (Paperback)

About the Book

Maintaining the caring professions' high standards of humanism requires the transmission of the wisdom that comes with experience, and this second edition of stories, anecdotes, and biographies from the world of healing is full of inspiring examples.

Book Synopsis

This book introduces the origins of important teachings that form the basis of medicine and related healing professions. Reinforcing the humanistic side of patient care, this book replicates the tips, anecdotes and aphorisms often related by mentors and educators to medical students, residents, and young physicians. This book provides numerous examples of best practices in the art of medicine, profiles of great healers throughout history and around the world, and stories sure to inspire any practicing healer, whether they are new to the calling or a seasoned veteran.

From the Back Cover

Clinicians--physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, social workers, psychologists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and others--share the unique responsibility of patient care and the limitless fulfillment this calling can provide. The healing professions have an ancient and venerable tradition of service, honor, and humanism that is often communicated from teacher to student in anecdotes and bits of wisdom told quickly in passing. Gathering together this type of valuable information in one place, Advice to the Healer: On the Art of Caring, Second Edition, includes biographies of historical luminaries in medicine, tales from everyday practice, inspirational quotes and artwork, and advice for new and veteran healers alike.

"Today, when medical education short-changes basic clinical skills in favor of technology, when many young clinicians seem to view medicine as a trade instead of a calling, and when we see practicing physicians hawking their services on roadside billboards, it is refreshing to read a book that extols medicine's rich history and traditional values." --Robert B. Taylor, MD, Professor Emeritus of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University

Review Quotes

From the reviews of the second edition:

"Dr. Colgan has given us a valuable and unique guide. This book is for every student and practitioner in medicine or nursing as well as all who wish to understand medicine. The author is a well-respected educator and clinician. ... This is an outstanding book, one which may be overlooked by many in the crush of everyday practice, but which will help many put the challenges and problems of the field of medicine into proper perspective." (Vincent F. Carr, Doody's Book Reviews, May, 2013)

About the Author

Richard Colgan, MD, is an Associate Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the Director of Undergraduate Education in the Department of Family and Community Medicine.