Hippocrates' Shadow

by David H. Newman

Book Overview

"Aclear-sighted, heartfelt, and humane story of the needless tests and treatments that cripple healthcare....as a guide to good medicine, it may help us get back to the essence of what good doctors do: be with patients in healing." --Samuel Shem, M.D., author of The House of God and The Spirit of the Place

In Hippocrates' Shadow, Dr. David H. Newman upends our understanding of the doctor-patient relationship and...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1416551549
• ISBN13: 9781416551546
• Release Date: September 2009
• Publisher: Scribner Book Company
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Remarkable book - honest and revealing

Unlike several of the earlier reviewers, I am not a medical professional; I'm a patient. I found Hippocrates' Shadow to be among the very best medical writing for laymen. Dr. Newman's ability to explain complicated medical concepts in simple terms, without condescending to the reader, is exceptional. It is obvious that his life experiences inform his writing as well as his medicine. From his time riding an ambulance as a paramedic to his Army service in Iraq, the book is full of interesting anecdotes, but not in service of his ego. Rather, the stories support the central point of each chapter. If you've ever wondered what your doctor is thinking, or how he makes his decisions, or even just wondered why he can't talk to you a little better, you should read this book. As for the footnotes, skip them. Unless you're a scientist, they're of little interest. They are necessary, though, to demonstrate that Dr. Newman didn't just make this stuff up. He shows you the facts upon which his conclusions are based. That's a direct and open communication with the reader. Direct and open communication is what doctors should have with their patients; it's the central point of the book. Dr. Newman walks his own line. I look forward to reading his next book.

Extraordinary. Can't get it out of my head

I am an emergency physician, trained via the same process as Dr. Newman. He and I learned the same skills, ways of thinking, and axioms. But, he took the time to actually investigate what we are doing- and lo and behold, much of it is flawed, dehumanized and wrong. It's not often that a book changes your practice and way of thinking- but this is it. My perspective, practice and teaching recently reflect Newman's. Recommended for all health workers, and should be a mandatory part of the medical student curriculum.

Stellar!

Eye-opening, entertaining read. This is one of those books that you are sad to finish because it is so good. I strongly recommend this book.

A very interesting, very approachable book

I have been an avid reader all my life. This is one book I could not put down. The topic is one that affects everyone. The doctor patient relationship is a very personal one and, I think most of us have been turned off by medicine in general and doctors in particular. Dr. Newman has covered many controversial medical issues in a very readable and understandable manner. Although I am a registered nurse, I feel that the general public will have no difficulty in appreciating the content and relating to the subject matter. I found the section on Celebrex most provocative, since I recently have been taking it, with what I thought were good results. Since reading the book, I have not taken it in several weeks, with no appreciable adverse effects. To the contrary, I feel fine. This is a must read book!

A truly important book

This is a fascinating, honest, and clearly well researched book. Dr. Newman is skillful in combining anecdotes of his real world experience in "the house of medicine" with thorough research to support his arguments. In addition, I respect that he does not exempt himself from criticism acknowledging that he too is a part of the world of healthcare today. I am a physician, and I can truly say that I learned a lot. Whether you are someone who requires frequent follow up with your physician, or one of the lucky ones who sees his doctor for preventative care only, or you are simply in the market for an intelligent and thought provoking book "Hippocrates' Shadow is a must read.