Every Deep-Drawn Breath - by Wes Ely (Paperback)

About the Book

"In this rich blend of science, medical history, profoundly humane patient stories, and personal reflection, Dr. Wes Ely describes his mission to prevent ICU patients from being harmed by the technology that is keeping them alive. Readers will experience the world of critical care through the eyes of a physician who drastically changed his clinical practice to offer person-centered health care and through cutting-edge research convinced others to do the same."--

Book Synopsis

Winner of a Christopher Award--now with a discussion guide "Perhaps one lesson to draw from the pandemic, with help from books like this one, is that the ICU experience can be changed for the better" (The Washington Post) for both patients and their families. You will learn how in this timely, urgent, and compassionate work by a world-renowned critical care doctor.In this rich blend of science, medical history, profoundly humane patient stories, and personal reflection, Dr. Wes Ely describes his mission to prevent ICU patients from being harmed by the technology that is keeping them alive. Readers will experience the world of critical care through the eyes of a physician who drastically changed his clinical practice to offer person-centered health care and through cutting-edge research convinced others to do the same. Dr. Ely's groundbreaking investigations advanced the understanding of post- intensive care struggles and introduced crucial changes that reshaped treatment: minimizing sedation, maximizing mobility, and providing supportive aftercare. Dr. Ely shows that there are ways to bring humanity into the ICU and that "technology plus touch" is a proven path toward returning ICU patients to the lives they had before their hospital stays. An essential resource for anyone who will be affected by illness--which is all of us.

Review Quotes

"A timely book, its message an urgent one. . . . Perhaps one lesson to draw from the pandemic, with help from books like this one, is that the ICU experience can be changed for the better." -Washington Post "With its vivid observations and heartfelt tone, Every Deep-Drawn Breath is a joy to read. Ely's passion for his patients leaps from the pages, inspiring readers to channel Ely's humility and love for life to brighten the future of medicine, and mankind." -The Federalist "An intensely emotive journey through the science and history of the intensive care unit. . . . Every Deep-Drawn Breath is a paragon of humanity that will have lasting positive effects." -The Lancet "[A] powerful new book. . . . provides true insight into what can be accomplished with humility, perseverance, dedication and above all else, love." -Intima: A Journal of Narrative Medicine "A remarkable look at transformations in ICU care. . . . This humble-and humbling-look at the limits and potential of medicine will stick with readers." -Publishers Weekly, starred review "In this dynamic, often touching debut, the author chronicles a personal, passionate return to the ethical heart of the Hippocratic oath. . . . Meaningful, thought-provoking insight into the world of critical care." -Kirkus Reviews "Timely." -St. Louis Post-Dispatch

About the Author

E. Wesley Ely, MD, MPH, is an internist, pulmonologist, and critical care physician. Dr. Ely earned his MD at Tulane University School of Medicine, in conjunction with a Masters in Public Health. He serves as the Grant W. Liddle endowed chair in medicine and is a physician-scientist and tenured professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He is also the associate director of aging research for the Tennessee Valley Veteran's Affairs Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center (GRECC). He is the founder and codirector of the Critical Illness, Brain Dysfunction, and Survivorship (CIBS) Center, an organization devoted to research and ongoing care for people affected by critical illness. Dr. Ely has had numerous studies published in The New England Journal, JAMA, and The Lancet, and his writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, USA TODAY, StatNews, The Daily Beast, and numerous other publications. He lives in Nashville.