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My Own Medicine: A Doctor's Life as a Patient
Approaching his forty-first birthday, Dr. Geoffrey Kurland was a busy man. His work as a Pediatric Pulmonologist, caring for children with lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis and asthma, led to long hours on the wards at the University of California, Davis Medical Center. At the same time, he was in the midst of training for the Western States Endurance Run, a grueling 100-mile long footrace across the wilderness of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. His long training runs, the responsibilities of patient care and teaching, and relationships attempting to replace his departed girlfriend occupied most of his life.
Dr. Kurland’s ordered world is suddenly turned upside-down when he is diagnosed with Hairy Cell Leukemia, a rare blood cancer with a low survival rate. His work, his running, and his friendships are altered by his struggle to survive. He finds he must undergo many of the procedures he performed on his patients, must endure surgery and chemotherapy, and must relinquish control of his life to his physicians, surgeons, and his disease. He learns first-hand what cannot be taught in medical school about the consuming power of a chronic illness and its treatment.
Confronting his own mortality, Dr. Kurland is now the patient while remaining a physician and runner. With the support of his physicians at the Mayo Clinic, the University of California, and the University of Pittsburgh, he resolves to continue to live his life despite his potentially fatal disease. He discovers his personal inner strengths as well as weaknesses as he struggles to confront his illness and regain some of the control he lost to it.
Along his nearly two and a half year journey, we follow Dr. Kurland as he endures surgical procedures, chemotherapy, and life-threatening complications of his illness. He emerges into remission with new inner strength and understanding of what it means to be a doctor. He also finds that he is still a runner, with the same goal, to run the 100 miles across the Sierra Mountains.
REVIEWS:
“Taut, dramatic, and intensely real…Very well written.” --Oliver Sacks, the best selling author of SEEING VOICES and HALLUCINATIONS
"[MY OWN MEDICINE] should be required reading for every medical professional. Kurland never asks for sympathy or pity. [...] What comes through powerfully is his humanity, which his own bout with illnesses has clearly enhanced, and from which both his patients and his readers will benefit." --THE NEW YORK TIMES
"While training as a pediatric pulmonologist, Kurland told a patient, 'I know how you feel'; years later, when he was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia, he discovered just how untrue this was. [...] The way in which serious illness alters one's sense of self and of life is compellingly expressed in this energetic, nervy narrative, as Kurland's illness and eventual recovery collide with a host of profound shifts—a big career move, the death of a colleague, an unravelling relationship with his girlfriend, and a deepening one with his parents." --THE NEW YORKER
"MY OWN MEDICINE is rich in detail, enhanced by the author's skillful handling of the narrative...The book depicts a man who, faced with the painful reality of his own mortality, acknowledges his condition and gears himself to face the challenge." --PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE
“The story of Kurland’s battle with a disease that almost took his life is compelling and poignant. Unlike other chroniclers of illness, however, Kurland is a physician caring for critically ill children. Perhaps it is inevitable that his observations on life, death, and suffering should be so informed by his work. The result is a narrative that is both unique and deeply insightful.
Dr. Kurland’s ordered world is suddenly turned upside-down when he is diagnosed with Hairy Cell Leukemia, a rare blood cancer with a low survival rate. His work, his running, and his friendships are altered by his struggle to survive. He finds he must undergo many of the procedures he performed on his patients, must endure surgery and chemotherapy, and must relinquish control of his life to his physicians, surgeons, and his disease. He learns first-hand what cannot be taught in medical school about the consuming power of a chronic illness and its treatment.
Confronting his own mortality, Dr. Kurland is now the patient while remaining a physician and runner. With the support of his physicians at the Mayo Clinic, the University of California, and the University of Pittsburgh, he resolves to continue to live his life despite his potentially fatal disease. He discovers his personal inner strengths as well as weaknesses as he struggles to confront his illness and regain some of the control he lost to it.
Along his nearly two and a half year journey, we follow Dr. Kurland as he endures surgical procedures, chemotherapy, and life-threatening complications of his illness. He emerges into remission with new inner strength and understanding of what it means to be a doctor. He also finds that he is still a runner, with the same goal, to run the 100 miles across the Sierra Mountains.
REVIEWS:
“Taut, dramatic, and intensely real…Very well written.” --Oliver Sacks, the best selling author of SEEING VOICES and HALLUCINATIONS
"[MY OWN MEDICINE] should be required reading for every medical professional. Kurland never asks for sympathy or pity. [...] What comes through powerfully is his humanity, which his own bout with illnesses has clearly enhanced, and from which both his patients and his readers will benefit." --THE NEW YORK TIMES
"While training as a pediatric pulmonologist, Kurland told a patient, 'I know how you feel'; years later, when he was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia, he discovered just how untrue this was. [...] The way in which serious illness alters one's sense of self and of life is compellingly expressed in this energetic, nervy narrative, as Kurland's illness and eventual recovery collide with a host of profound shifts—a big career move, the death of a colleague, an unravelling relationship with his girlfriend, and a deepening one with his parents." --THE NEW YORKER
"MY OWN MEDICINE is rich in detail, enhanced by the author's skillful handling of the narrative...The book depicts a man who, faced with the painful reality of his own mortality, acknowledges his condition and gears himself to face the challenge." --PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE
“The story of Kurland’s battle with a disease that almost took his life is compelling and poignant. Unlike other chroniclers of illness, however, Kurland is a physician caring for critically ill children. Perhaps it is inevitable that his observations on life, death, and suffering should be so informed by his work. The result is a narrative that is both unique and deeply insightful.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 11, 2002
45 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 17, 2013
Geoff Kurland, a physician and a runner, was diagnosed with cancer in his early 40s. This book, which I would consider creative non-fiction, is the story of his journey through illness, diagnosis, and treatment. And running.
The writing is clear and, although it is written so that a layperson could understand it, the author did not talk down to his audience. The story flows and, at the end, you have an understanding of what it might be like to undergo this experience. I also found myself with a strong urge to buy a pair of running shoes.
I will say that I trained under Dr. Kurland, though I have had no contact with him since I last referred a patient to him in 1998. While that certainly affected the experience of reading the book, I do not believe it skewed my review.
The writing is clear and, although it is written so that a layperson could understand it, the author did not talk down to his audience. The story flows and, at the end, you have an understanding of what it might be like to undergo this experience. I also found myself with a strong urge to buy a pair of running shoes.
I will say that I trained under Dr. Kurland, though I have had no contact with him since I last referred a patient to him in 1998. While that certainly affected the experience of reading the book, I do not believe it skewed my review.
August 11, 2010
Interesting story of a young doctor's battle with a rare disease that almost killed him; and, how he reacted to being a patient. He did a lot of soul searching during his ordeal, but I was not convinced at the end of the book that he had changed for the better. He healed physically, but I was left wondering about him spiritually. Well written and very interesting.
January 20, 2016
The tables are turned on this physician -- he becomes the patient with a very serious disease. One of the best books I have read written by an MD. I really liked it.
April 1, 2016
Review of book
I liked this book ... in part because UC Davis and Sac Medical Center were where I had my training .. it was easy to put my psyche back to those happy days .. I think the author described his joy as well as his angst at his diagnosis and how his treatment affected so many elements of his life .. I finished before I was ready, wanting to read more about his career as well as his private life ... where is the sequel when you want it ??? I'd recommend this book to adult friends I chose this rating because I wanted to read more ... and that is almost always a good thing !
I liked this book ... in part because UC Davis and Sac Medical Center were where I had my training .. it was easy to put my psyche back to those happy days .. I think the author described his joy as well as his angst at his diagnosis and how his treatment affected so many elements of his life .. I finished before I was ready, wanting to read more about his career as well as his private life ... where is the sequel when you want it ??? I'd recommend this book to adult friends I chose this rating because I wanted to read more ... and that is almost always a good thing !
July 10, 2016
Doctor kurland is the doctor who specialized in my care after my double lung transplant. He is not only an amazing man who has made my treatment bearable but an amazing writer. I know when I am to see him he will always have a bad joke ready for me. He is someone I myself regard highly. 10/10 would recommend reading if you enjoy memoirs that will keep you turning the page constantly.
March 27, 2013
The main interest in this book is in reading about a doctor's experience of being a patient when, as a pulmonary specialist, he is diagnosed with a pulmonary illness (and with leukemia). Satisfying in an "aha! now you know what we patients put up with" kind of a way.
August 26, 2014
Survival
What a wonderful doctor, who chooses to tell his story, to help others who face the same problems, and find a way to overcome their challenges in their lives.
Thank you. Doctor Kurland.
Yours Sincerely.
Julie Beecham
What a wonderful doctor, who chooses to tell his story, to help others who face the same problems, and find a way to overcome their challenges in their lives.
Thank you. Doctor Kurland.
Yours Sincerely.
Julie Beecham
June 30, 2016
Basically a good read,especially if you are interested in medical stories
I found the book very riveting as Dr Kurland struggled to beat his cancer. There were some places that were too wordy, but all in all it was a good read.
I found the book very riveting as Dr Kurland struggled to beat his cancer. There were some places that were too wordy, but all in all it was a good read.
October 2, 2007
I enjoyed this book about an ultramarathon running physician who is diagnosed with leukemia...and I want to know what happens next!
June 16, 2008
A heart-wrenching and heart-warming true-life story by a good friend and colleague of mine. I recommend this to all.
May 6, 2012
This author is Ellen Hussey/s brother. Very interesting. What a guy!
November 15, 2012
Good reading. A view of doctors that you may not have seen. This doctor learned much about himself when he was diagnosed with a serious condition.
January 31, 2014
I really liked this book, especially as a pediatrician and a runner (although not a tough ultra guy like Geoff!)
July 11, 2015
A doctor's life
Not a bad book..it had a very abrupt ending though..kinda left me hanging. I wanted to know if he eventually married Karin but it didn't say
Not a bad book..it had a very abrupt ending though..kinda left me hanging. I wanted to know if he eventually married Karin but it didn't say
March 19, 2016
I heard Dr. Kurland give a talk about his journey. Very enjoyable read.
September 29, 2017
Very good to read. From a different perspective! Inspiring book.
November 8, 2018
Enjoyed the book - seeing medical care through the eyes of a doctor needing that care. As someone who enjoys running, I appreciated that connection too.
June 8, 2020
Very well written.
I appreciate the author's candor about his experiences. So glad he survived this ordeal. I'm sure he's an even better doctor after this. Thank you for writing this for us to better understand physicians are humans first.
I appreciate the author's candor about his experiences. So glad he survived this ordeal. I'm sure he's an even better doctor after this. Thank you for writing this for us to better understand physicians are humans first.
December 17, 2019
This was an interesting read, especially referring to CF patients and dealing with "hairy cell Leukemia". I know how terrifying it is to be told you have "cancer". Just too much of him holding his Mummy's hand & all about "me" stuff.
March 22, 2022
A fine narrative
A really good story I appreciate his insights as a patient as I've been one. I find it very inspiring and well written.
A really good story I appreciate his insights as a patient as I've been one. I find it very inspiring and well written.
April 2, 2017
I couldn't put it down. Very good book.
I loved the details, human interest, creativity, romance and truth be revealed about his feelings. Please read this good book.
I loved the details, human interest, creativity, romance and truth be revealed about his feelings. Please read this good book.
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April 12, 2017This was a well written about a Pulmonary Physician who contracts Leukemia and experience being a patient with a serious illness.
Although, the writer had many, many supports, it was an interesting turn about. I would recommend it,
Although, the writer had many, many supports, it was an interesting turn about. I would recommend it,
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews