Physician Heal Thyself: Nearly Dead and the Journey Back to Health

by Michael J. Hession MD

Dying was not something Michael J. Hession, MD, had thought much about. In abstract terms, he understood its inevitability, but as a seasoned and healthy physician, mortality seemed distant. That all changed on December 31, 2013, when the abstract became a chilling reality. Faced with a near-death experience, Hession found himself grappling with profound How does one recover from a near-death experience? What skills are needed to navigate such a harrowing ordeal?

In the wake of his near-death experience, Hession found himself overwhelmed by fear, confusion, and a sense of existential dread. Struggling to make sense of their newfound mortality, he started to slowly rebuild his body, both physically and emotionally, as well as searching for a new meaning for life, purpose, and happiness.

Although the events in the book occurred between December 31, 2013, through 2015, the inspiration to write this book came in January of 2020. His son was a senior resident in Medicine at Bellevue Hospital in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic that was laying waste to the world. He felt hopeless and unable to help as he was recovering from elective hip replacement surgery. It was then that he realized that his personal story of survival and recovery could possibly help others. Drawing from his own life-changing experience, Michael J. Hession, MD, offers a unique perspective as both a survivor of near-death and a seasoned physician. With over three decades of caring for critically ill patients, Hession brings unparalleled expertise and empathy to his memoir, providing invaluable insights into the complexities of recovery and the human spirit.

By the end of this compelling memoir, you will emerge with a newfound sense of resilience, hope, and purpose. Through Hession's poignant storytelling and practical wisdom, readers gain the tools and perspective needed to navigate their own healing journeys and feel empowered to face adversity with courage and grace, armed with a deeper understanding of life's fragility.

Physician Heal Thyself resonates and helps guide both survivors of near-death and their loved ones through the agony of recovery and the Herculean task of rebuilding a life. Discover the power of the human spirit to overcome unimaginable challenges and emerge stronger than ever before while finding solace, guidance, and hope for the journey ahead.

188 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 11, 2024

Reviews

[Sheryl Leventhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend for anyone going through turmoil, physical illness or emotional trials. For any health care professional, it is a must!

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful, inspirational book. Michael Hession is a doctor, who suffered two near-death experiences and other health challenges. His is a story of survival through his own resilience, bravery, and determination. He used many strategies on his road to recovery. This book is written for people, who are facing a health challenge or have suffered one. It is also for the caregivers and medical personnel, who work with such people. Truly, anyone could benefit by reading this book. The road to recovery was a very difficult one with intense physical therapy. Dr. Hession used his foundation in faith, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy to help achieve his goals. The devotion of his beloved wife and the love of his sons and friends were most important in this process. For all of its serious story and purpose, it is a very engaging and enjoyable read as well. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

[Noreen Desalvo · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazingly insightful account of a physician's journey through illnesses with two near death experiences. I found this a riveting read that left me in awe of the strength and fortitude of a human being. He credits the support he received from his wife, family, friends and medical/hospital staff and his faith with saving his life. The chapters on mindfulness in life enriched the read.
I highly recommend this book as a must read!

[Thomas A. Parrino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational


This book should be required reading for anyone who has ever been a medical patient or is considering a career in the health professions.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Hession is a brilliant and well-respected cardiologist on the South Shore of Boston. A colleague of my husband, and for years his doctor, we both knew him to be a man of great depth and wisdom and we, as were so many, were very worried about him during his illness.
This is an exceptional book. Dr. Hession’s harrowing and terrifying experiences of being “locked in”, consciously aware but unable to move or communicate while intubated on a ventilator, is gripping. His remarkable wife and their sons were steadfast and unwavering in their support, providing a round-the-clock presence which clearly was imperative. How wonderful it was to read about the care he received from so many health and allied health professionals as well as those prayers said by friends at the Grotto at Notre Dame University. Yes, Faith is real. And when we witness and experience man’s innate goodness, kindness and care we can feel God and the light.
Highly recommended..