My Own Medicine: A Doctor's Life as a Patient

by Geoffrey Kurland

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....

Genres: Memoir, Medical, Nonfiction, Medicine, Health, Autobiography, Biography Memoir

222 pages, Paperback

First published September 11, 2002

Reviews

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Sue Meub · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 !

[Mariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Joyce Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book about an ultramarathon running physician who is diagnosed with leukemia...and I want to know what happens next!

[Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart-wrenching and heart-warming true-life story by a good friend and colleague of mine. I recommend this to all.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author is Ellen Hussey/s brother. Very interesting. What a guy!

[Jane Brewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Heather Cadena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book, especially as a pediatrician and a runner (although not a tough ultra guy like Geoff!)

[barbara burley · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Robert Saul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard Dr. Kurland give a talk about his journey. Very enjoyable read.

[Tienie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good to read. From a different perspective! Inspiring book.

[Rick Shafer · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Debbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[Rolland E · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Pamela S. Wayman · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Joanna]

This 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,