The Art and Science of Compassion, A Primer: Reflections of a Physician-Chaplain

by Agnes M F Wong, Roshi Joan Halifax (Foreword)

The Art and Science of Compassion, A Primer offers a succinct, all-in-one introduction to the full gamut of compassion, from the evolutional, biological, behavioural, and psychological, to the social, philosophical, and spiritual. Drawing on her diverse background as a clinician, scientist, educator, and chaplain, Dr. Wong presents a wealth of scientific evidence supporting that compassion is both innate and trainable. By interleaving personal experiences and reflections, she shares her insights on what it takes to cultivate compassion to support the art of medicine and caregiving. The training described in this book draws on both contemplative and scientific disciplines to help clinicians develop cognitive, attentional, affective, and somatic skills that are critical for the cultivation of compassion. With striking illustrations for key concepts and concise summaries for each chapter, this book provides a solid conceptual framework and practical approaches to cultivate
compassion.

Advance Praise for The Art and Science of Compassion, A Primer

“Well-written, deeply personal and scientifically-grounded, this book provides strong physiological, psychological, and ethical reasons why cultivating compassion is essential―and provides a thoughtful roadmap for promoting compassion in healthcare and in all of life.”
- Ron Epstein, MD, author of Medicine, Mindfulness, and Humanity

“Dr. Agnes Wong, a highly distinguished physician and exceptional researcher at the University of Toronto, has written an absolutely uplifting masterpiece about meaning, compassionate care, and the universal journey that all healers must take to sustain their inner being and nobility of purpose. This book is partly her journey to a deeper state of being that places compassionate care in its rightful place in the healing art; it is also a fabulous scientific presentation of the practice and impact of compassionate care on patients and on one's own flourishing as a physician. This is a book that touches the soul and should be read by every medical student or clinician worldwide as they reflect on what it means to really succeed in their “whole selves” as healers and human beings.”
- Stephen G. Post, PhD, Director, Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care and Bioethics; Professor of Family, Population and Preventive Medicine, Stony Brook University

"Compassion and empathy are traits that make us human, and as Dr. Wong shows, these qualities can be developed, encouraged, and cultivated. In our struggling world, we need this awareness as never before. The future of our species likely depends on it. This book is an example of how science and spirituality can come together in a brilliant synthesis."
- Larry Dossey, MD, author of One How Our Individual Mind Is Part of a Greater Consciousness and Why It Matters

Genres: Medicine

216 pages, Paperback

Published December 23, 2020

Reviews

[CanadianReader · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m afraid I didn’t get very far in Agnes Wong’s book. It is by no means a primer. Some chapters require a background in neuropsychology. Others require the reader to have at least some familiarity with Buddhist concepts. While the author does make clear that medical professionals are her target audience, she suggests the book may be read by others interested in compassion. I disagree. In fact, I think just about anyone reading this, except for a Buddhist practitioner who happens to also be a neuroscientist, would have tremendous difficulty with it. This is NOT an accessible text.

I did expect that I’d have to do mental work, but not to this degree. There are insufficient examples and analogies to illuminate concepts. Technical terms are used without being explained. I believe that even the doctors and nurses I know would get no further than I did. The book is a missed opportunity. Perhaps the author was just too ambitious. Whatever the case, I regret to say I cannot recommend it.

[Luminita Tarita-Nistor · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book Agnes Wong tells a fascinating personal life story; she went on a journey from being a successful physician, scientist, and educator, to becoming a chaplain. In her new role she focuses on compassion, a subject that she explores admirably in the book. The author is a very talented writer with an extraordinary ability to synthesize information from hundreds of references. The book is a must read for healthcare professionals and trainees.

[Gena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to both the study of and the practice of compassion. It is relatable, thought provoking and the kind of text that you will want to bookmark, highlight and refer to over and over again.

[Kelly GM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I shared this book with a class of experienced educators who have been struggling with burnout and the need to respond to students and families struggling through the pandemic. Very enthusiastic response from students -- so useful to see the science behind the practices, and to think of compassion as a source of energy not another demand on overloaded professionals...