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Book Review

Soul of a Doctor

Harvard Medical Students Face Life and Death

reviewed by Shelby Ussery

This article was featured in the Summer 2014: Joy, Humor and Healing print issue. Click here to see the complete table of contents.

Written by Shelby Ussery on June 12, 2014

Shelby Ussery

Shelby Ussery is a graduate of Rhodes College and a 2013 Church Health Reader intern.

See all articles by Shelby Ussery.

The third chapter of this endearing book composed of essays by third-year Harvard medical students begins with a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as he reflects on the story of the Good Samaritan. “The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: ‘If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?’ But…the Good Samaritan revered the question: ‘If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?” (85).

The central focus Soul of a Doctor is to give readers insight into the challenge medical students face in the transition from a Levite mindset to that of the Good Samaritan. For the past two years, students have been focused on themselves: gaining knowledge and getting high marks. Suddenly, another factor comes into their medical training: the patient. Forty-four Harvard medical students record their thoughts and struggles as they attempt to become doctors that not only cure the body, but also heal the soul.

This book is an insightful read not only for anyone pursuing a career in medicine, but also for those with years of medical experience. Ranging in genre from comical to cringe-worthy and even heart wrenching, Harvard medical students share their stories and experiences from their early encounters with patients. These unique perspectives allow the reader to experience the development of compassion and humility often missing from modern day conversations between doctors and patients. Soul of a Doctor is a must-read for any person either considering or holding a position in any health occupation.

The various med students write poignantly about the compassion and empathy necessary to care holistically for patients. They also speak honestly about their own trials. Whether it be a nasty run-in with a resident or an embarrassing mistake, the Harvard students speak truths necessary for prospective students and their teachers alike. For those not interested in the health professions, this is still a solid read. Often, patients feel less than comfortable discussing personal matters even with a trained professional. This book has the potential to create a dialogue between in the medical world between doctors and patients, with possible outcomes being more comfortable patients and greater listening skills in doctors. This will hopefully create a greater understanding between doctor and patient about what they expect from one another.

Algonquin Books, 2006

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