Do you remember the 1970s when doctors made house calls, delivered babies, worked long hours, and listened to their patients? Remember when there were no cell phones, no computerized medical records, and the doctor was one of your best friends? I invite you to walk down memory lane and return to a simpler time when life was about family, friends, church, and relationships. Doctor Matlock practiced medicine for forty-seven years, long enough to witness profound changes in medical practice, technology, and society. He was board certified in both Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine during his career, but the early years of his practice centered in family medicine in a small town and farm community in Indiana. Celebrate with him and his office staff as they rejoice over a newborn's safe arrival. Experience the concern when a patient faces the crisis of a severe illness. Grieve as the ravages of cancer threatens family coherence. Join in living life to the full in small town USA.
I can relate to this as I became a nurse in 1970 and am very familiar with stories such as these. That was a great time in medicine when doctors and nurses were so caring and compassionate. Unfortunately the government then got involved with health care and their regulations interfered with true doctor-patient and nurse-patient relationships. This book is a true and accurate depiction of health care at the time. Wish we still had some of that now.
I had a difficult time deciding if, as an RN, if all the medical information was too complex for the average reader, some of it too complex for me, let alone for his patients. The book was enjoyable and I would happily read more, but it would have helped if he avoided detailed information about lab values and complex medical information, both for his readers and his patients who, from his descriptions were mostly "simple farm folks".
I loved it! How refreshing to read a book without sex, violence, crude language, or unsavory characters. I found it to be quite interesting, as well. Dr. Matlock's patient's were often humorous, and their stories brought a smile to my face. Some were sad, as Dr. Matlock shared stories of people who passed away from their respective illnesses. But the doctor wrote about all of the cases with dignity and respect. I also enjoyed reading about his long-suffering wife and small children. His explanations of the medical terms he used were very helpful in understanding the diagnosis and treatment of his patients. Great book for anyone at any age.
I enjoy medical memoirs that are not preachy, fluffy, institutional. Dr. Matlock makes his practice come alive, showing the reality of the almost extinct country doctor’s life… long hours, eccentric and real patients. Unfortunately, the days that your doctor has time to really know you are gone… buried in paperwork and fear of lawsuits. This is an interesting, well written memoir. I wish we could bring back that time in medicine!
Carl Matlock is a good MD and author. He talks in layman's terms and explains the condition he talks about. His book about being a Country Doctor is both easy to read and understand. As a retired RN, I recommend this book.