Reflections on Medicine: Essays by Robert U. Massey, M.D. - Softcover

"Robert Massey had an uncommon love affair with Medicine as a calling. His writings are enriched by extensive references to classic works of literature, many written by notable physicians."--New England Journal of Medicine "Busy physicians and others in the field should make time for Massey's easy-to-read essays and his thoughtful challenges to contemporary science-based medical practice, which sometimes loses sight of the compassionate art of patient care."--Library Journal "The unifying characteristics of all these essays are the qualities of humanism and scholarship in the writings of a master teacher who is dealing with the ongoing critical issues of 21st century medicine. The essays are beautifully crafted and erudite . . . ." --Connecticut Medicine "This book will make an intriguing present for medical school graduates, who will find a description of the life they can lead, the beauty and humanity of our calling, in reading what Bob Massey has said so very well." --The Yale Journal for Humanities in Medicine

From over 300 essays the late Dr. Massey wrote between 1973 and 2005 for his popular monthly columns in Connecticut Medicine, the state medical journal, the seventy in this collection best demonstrate his breadth of scholarship, concerns about medicine, and skills as a writer and teacher. For ease of reading, the articles are organized into eleven sections by topic, such as the care of patients, medical education, growing old, death and dying, technology, ethics and morality, and the history of medicine. As timely as they are important, these essays lend themselves to discussions in medical schools and other teaching institutions, address issues physicians in practice face almost daily, and provide a touchstone for all citizens concerned about the practice of humanistic medicine today.