Physician, Teacher, Writer
For decades, physicians have been trained on the textbook of the body, from the corpse in a cadaver lab to the anesthetized patient in a procedure suite. This type of training usually leads them to specialize in specific organs or systems rather than in the person-to-person care we’re all missing. In this engrossing narrative, you’ll meet seven extraordinary students embarking on a new way to train doctors. These medical students follow patients instead of physicians. Students accompany patients to primary care appointments, emergency room visits, and even surgical procedures, understanding the intricate interplay between the health of our bodies and the health of our communities. They learn the textbook of a community in addition to the textbook of the body.
Through poignant stories of seven students and the people they meet as patients, Dr. Abraham M. Nussbaum illustrates the power and peril of becoming a doctor. As the students acquire a wealth of knowledge about the human body, they also navigate immense challenges and responsibilities. Throughout the year, they go about their lives, find love, and start families, all while getting to know their patients. Progress Notes follows the evolution of medical education and is a must-read for premedical students, medical students, and medical professionals seeking insight into the changing landscape of their field as well as for readers seeking transformative care models which benefit us all.