Uncommon Wisdom: True Tales of What Our Lives as Doctors Have Taught Us About Love, Faith and Healing

by John Castaldo, Lawrence P. Levitt

In light of the escalating costs of healthcare in the U.S. and the on-going debate about appropriate health insurance reform, it's easy to forget about the human side of medicine and the importance of the doctor-patient relationship. In Uncommon Wisdom , neurologists John Castaldo and Lawrence Levitt share what they have learned in their many years as doctors, not just from tests and labs, but from years of listening and learning from their patients.

These 16 tales show doctors as human flawed and full of doubt, wonder, and reverence about what it means to be alive. The stories remind us that the medical profession should be about treating people with the dignity they deserve and that medical miracles don't always involve medicine. These doctors find cures, solve mysteries, and glean many lessons from listening deeply to their patients.

Genres: Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Thebruce1314]

I enjoyed this book more than I expected to, though it isn't quite what I thought it would be. From the description, I expected more reflection on the authors' experiences in the field and on lessons learned: this is really more a book of case studies. The stories included are highly readable, and do not always have a Hollywood ending, but I really appreciated the way that the doctors treated their patients with heart and respect (something that I feel has been lacking in healthcare in my personal experience). Not always easy, but an interesting read.

[Bernie Tomasso]

This is an uplifting book that relates several instances where two doctors relate how much they learned from their patients simply because they took time to listen. This book gave me a breather from the negativity in the news. I recommend it highly.

[Rebecca Webb]

This is a good read for pre-med undergraduates. Perspective stories on medicine.

[Elizabeth]

This is a collection of stories about doctors, but not necessarily for doctors. In fact, some of the language is oddly toned down, maybe even over explained. Some of the stories are extremely personal, often when the family of the doctor themselves are the patients.
The book starts strong, jumping here and there in time, pulling anecdotes from their lives and the lives of their patients and unifying them with a theme of the chapter, but then by the end, it peters out. Not the most amazing book I've ever read like this, or even for 'life lessons', but a good book still.

[Christine]

A lovely book. The individual stories in this book are exciting and unusual, and well worth reading. The compassion, struggles, and tragedies of the two doctors who wrote this book make for an exciting and educational experience. it is amazing how much they do.

[Robin Bedford]

Good read

I had the opportunity to work briefly with Dr. Cast also during my time as a nurse at LVH. The book showed me a side of a very intense physician I had not known. It was a pleasure to read.

[Colin]

Wasn't as much about medicine than it was about human relationships. Some cool stories; makes you realize how many such stories you'd accumulate being a doctor.

[Gina Bush]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I could not put it down. How heartening to know that these physicians really do care, and that they gained something from their encounters with their patients

[Jenn]

very good. medical stuff explained well.