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House Calls
The following twenty-one stories are from actual house calls I have made in three different states during my thirty years of practice as a rural family physician. Some are humorous, some sad, some sublime. I have changed the names and in a few cases altered circumstances slightly to protect privacy as much as possible. I sincerely hope that with these measures - and with some of the details blurry enough in my memory - no one will recognize themselves or acquaintances, or take offense if they do.I hope you enjoy these stories as much as I appreciated having had the chance to live them. ~The Author
103 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 18, 2021
Making House Calls.
This author/physician wrote about many of his interesting cases. Definitely a homey feeling to his patients. Lots of people had no electricity and a few had dirt for floors in their homes. They were treated with care and concern.
This author/physician wrote about many of his interesting cases. Definitely a homey feeling to his patients. Lots of people had no electricity and a few had dirt for floors in their homes. They were treated with care and concern.
July 3, 2025
This was a pretty interesting telling of real stories from a medical doctor in an Amish community that made house calls. I liked the stories, they were short, but gave a lot of detail into the patients and what he did for them. Some were funny, some sad, but you always got the message that he really did care about the people he saw.
April 16, 2023
Well written memoir about a country physician who practiced medicine mostly through making house calls. ( I actually remember a physician coming to our house when I was little)
Particular interesting was the Amish patients he cared for because of their way of life and hoe the Dr dealt with it.
Particular interesting was the Amish patients he cared for because of their way of life and hoe the Dr dealt with it.
August 5, 2021
I'm surprised at a general star rating just about 3 stars. I found this short book quite fascinating and realistic. "House Calls" Stories from Thirty Years of Rural Medicine Among the Amish and English" is just that -- a family doctor who makes house calls. Something I wished was still available today but one I remember. My family doctor came to our house when I was a child ... in fact until I went to college. Not for just colds but when you were too sick to go to him -- he came to us. Just as "Doc" came to his patients.
Some were Amish and he tells of dealing with their beliefs along with their medical needs. And then there was Rosie who taught a fairly new sign to look for during birth -- "The Jesus Sign". Ya gotta read this one story!
If you have never had a doctor make a house call, read this. You'll find out what you have been missing.
Some were Amish and he tells of dealing with their beliefs along with their medical needs. And then there was Rosie who taught a fairly new sign to look for during birth -- "The Jesus Sign". Ya gotta read this one story!
If you have never had a doctor make a house call, read this. You'll find out what you have been missing.
August 10, 2021
A Glimpse of Amish Culture from a Doctors Point of View
This is a great read. Dr Yarbrough does not use medical terminology without explaining what all those words mean. More, he explains why he does what he does for each patient. This makes his stories very moving sometimes and quite funny other times. More important, every case rings true.
A friend recommended this book to me, and since she worked as a nurse for over 30 years, I knew she wouldn't recommend a book about a doctor's practice unless it reflected real life experiences. So I picked it up on a Saturday afternoon and finished it on Monday. The fact that he concentrates on his practice with the Amish in his area was a double attraction for me, as I have lived in an area where there was an Amish community, and I bought all my milk and eggs from a near neighbor for three years. This experience didn't really teach me much about my neighbors because they seemed to be very private people. I learned from this book that they were probably just shy. That many of the Amish are shy because of their cultural differences.
This is a great read. Dr Yarbrough does not use medical terminology without explaining what all those words mean. More, he explains why he does what he does for each patient. This makes his stories very moving sometimes and quite funny other times. More important, every case rings true.
A friend recommended this book to me, and since she worked as a nurse for over 30 years, I knew she wouldn't recommend a book about a doctor's practice unless it reflected real life experiences. So I picked it up on a Saturday afternoon and finished it on Monday. The fact that he concentrates on his practice with the Amish in his area was a double attraction for me, as I have lived in an area where there was an Amish community, and I bought all my milk and eggs from a near neighbor for three years. This experience didn't really teach me much about my neighbors because they seemed to be very private people. I learned from this book that they were probably just shy. That many of the Amish are shy because of their cultural differences.
October 5, 2018
House Calls by Gary Yarbrough MD
I really believe this book should be read by all residents before they finish med school. Dr. Yarbrough has an excellent bed side manor that I believe many could benefit from, to go the extra mile and dress the part of an Amish man so your younger patients will be at ease speaks of the Dr’s didication to his practice. In a time when some are seaking more and more because of the demands of medical care. This Dr. cared only what his patient’s needed or could effort. Hands down to this wonderful Dr. if you want an excellent read please read this wonderful book.
I really believe this book should be read by all residents before they finish med school. Dr. Yarbrough has an excellent bed side manor that I believe many could benefit from, to go the extra mile and dress the part of an Amish man so your younger patients will be at ease speaks of the Dr’s didication to his practice. In a time when some are seaking more and more because of the demands of medical care. This Dr. cared only what his patient’s needed or could effort. Hands down to this wonderful Dr. if you want an excellent read please read this wonderful book.
March 8, 2025
Interesting medical memoir. I enjoyed reading this unusual medical memoir, giving insights into the Amish community and also some interesting medical conditions and how they can be treated. I look forward to reading Office Calls soon, detailing more medical cases and mysteries. I admired the compassion and care that the author demonstrates in his medical practice as well as his understanding of the Amish people, and how he took steps to relate to them by learning their dialect/language and even dressing in a similar manner so that Amish children would not become anxious.
April 21, 2019
I enjoy Amish books and this one was interesting as he told of the medical issues he doctored Amish people for . Most of them had 16 children or more. No electric either. Interesting how this doctor helped them as best he could. When needing to go to a hospital some families decided not to go and let nature take its course instead. Learned things about medicine and illnesses too.
February 6, 2018
Wonderful Stories! There were a few typos but they didn't change the intent of the narrative.
My only dislike was it was to short. Having a medical background made these stories even more enjoyable. I recommend this book.
My only dislike was it was to short. Having a medical background made these stories even more enjoyable. I recommend this book.
May 8, 2019
Quick, Interesting Read
The only thing wrong with this book is I don't want it to be over. I found it to be an interesting read. Thank goodness there are doctors like Dr. Yarbrough who make the effort to span culture gaps and care for their patients body and soul.
The only thing wrong with this book is I don't want it to be over. I found it to be an interesting read. Thank goodness there are doctors like Dr. Yarbrough who make the effort to span culture gaps and care for their patients body and soul.
November 29, 2021
Good book country doctor
A really good book. Interesting to be a doctor for the Amish. Very interesting to work without all the modern conveniences have a large hospital. I would recommend
A really good book. Interesting to be a doctor for the Amish. Very interesting to work without all the modern conveniences have a large hospital. I would recommend
February 18, 2023
Stories by a doctor working in Amish country about cases he dealt with. He shares what he learned working with the Amosh and gives the reader insight into Amish day-to-day life and culture. Authentic, no-nonsene voice.
February 1, 2018
I was born in Pa. Dutch country and find this book so very real. The people are true to life and the doc is wonderful. I would tell my friends to take a look. It's worth the time!
February 25, 2018
Great book!
I loved this book. It gave you a look at life many of us never see. I would for sure read more just like it!
I loved this book. It gave you a look at life many of us never see. I would for sure read more just like it!
July 14, 2018
Great
I really enjoyed this light read - and it provided a great insight into current Amish culture - which although changing remains unchanged.
I really enjoyed this light read - and it provided a great insight into current Amish culture - which although changing remains unchanged.
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July 1, 2020Sunday afternoon
A quick read with both interesting and fun moments. A perfect book when it's raining and waiting for the power to resume.
A quick read with both interesting and fun moments. A perfect book when it's raining and waiting for the power to resume.
August 20, 2021
Loved this book
This is a must read if you like true stories this book was written with heart wish it had more stories
This is a must read if you like true stories this book was written with heart wish it had more stories
April 6, 2022
Great!
I really enjoyed the short stories on this book! A must read for us that love old fashion interesting books.
I really enjoyed the short stories on this book! A must read for us that love old fashion interesting books.
October 2, 2023
This was a quick, easy, and very interesting read. It kept my interest from the first page!
May 21, 2015
The author is a doctor who has served the Amish and English for over 30 years. He lived and worked in a rural community. The book is a collection of 21 true stories about actual house calls he made.
I enjoyed reading the book. Each short story is like a "mystery". The patient has a list of complaints and the doctor has to diagnosis the problem. The difference is that he is working in a rural community and he does not have access to MRIs, x-ray machines, etc. He has to use his eyes & ears and knowledge of medicine to help each patient. He does medicine the "old fashioned" way and really listens to his patients (gathering a history) and looks around the environment in which they live in for clues. He handles most of the cases on his own with just a stethoscope....but he does refer his patients to hospitals when necessary. In one case, his patient could not breathe (he suspected pneumonia which was later proven correct). I enjoyed this conversation he had with personnel from a hospital when he was trying to get him admitted:
"He (hospital admissions) asked with a tinge of sarcasm, "What does his x-ray show? What's his blood count?" As measured as I could, I replied, 'friend, I am standing on the hard dirt floor of this man's log cabin. Even if I had x-ray and lab machines, there is no electricity her to plug them in.' There was a rather long pause before he answered, much more softly, "sorry, send him to us."
The author provides a glimpse of Amish culture as well. The expense of medical care for Amish people is borne by the community and patients will often opt NOT to have care that is needed because they do not want to burden the community with the expense. He had one patient who needed bypass surgery who opted not to have it. The doctor says "he died the next day, content he would not cost his community any more. In his culture death from this world to begin life in the next was easier for him to accept than being a burden to others."
It's a quick and enjoyable book to read. I do not live in a rural environment and found it interesting how a rural doctor uses his skills to service his patients. He seems like a wonderful doctor and kind human being. I also enjoyed learning how a different culture (Amish) view medical care, healing and death.
I enjoyed reading the book. Each short story is like a "mystery". The patient has a list of complaints and the doctor has to diagnosis the problem. The difference is that he is working in a rural community and he does not have access to MRIs, x-ray machines, etc. He has to use his eyes & ears and knowledge of medicine to help each patient. He does medicine the "old fashioned" way and really listens to his patients (gathering a history) and looks around the environment in which they live in for clues. He handles most of the cases on his own with just a stethoscope....but he does refer his patients to hospitals when necessary. In one case, his patient could not breathe (he suspected pneumonia which was later proven correct). I enjoyed this conversation he had with personnel from a hospital when he was trying to get him admitted:
"He (hospital admissions) asked with a tinge of sarcasm, "What does his x-ray show? What's his blood count?" As measured as I could, I replied, 'friend, I am standing on the hard dirt floor of this man's log cabin. Even if I had x-ray and lab machines, there is no electricity her to plug them in.' There was a rather long pause before he answered, much more softly, "sorry, send him to us."
The author provides a glimpse of Amish culture as well. The expense of medical care for Amish people is borne by the community and patients will often opt NOT to have care that is needed because they do not want to burden the community with the expense. He had one patient who needed bypass surgery who opted not to have it. The doctor says "he died the next day, content he would not cost his community any more. In his culture death from this world to begin life in the next was easier for him to accept than being a burden to others."
It's a quick and enjoyable book to read. I do not live in a rural environment and found it interesting how a rural doctor uses his skills to service his patients. He seems like a wonderful doctor and kind human being. I also enjoyed learning how a different culture (Amish) view medical care, healing and death.
September 17, 2015
Very good...
I really enjoyed reading about the experiences of this doctor and his patients. There aren't probably very many rural doctors and even fewer doctors who routinely see Amish patients. I think it's a privilege to be given this peek into the lives of others and found myself taking a great liking to Dr Yarbrough because of his dedication to and interest in his community. I am old enough to be able to read between the lines and appreciate the exceptionally difficult times that the Dr and his nurse went through to provide the care for their patients.
This book is very well written and the editing is perfect. You can read a little bit at at a time because the book is broken down into a number of different house calls and experiences. I highly recommend this book.
I don't actually live all that far away from where this all takes place and have been through the area often. I like to think that I could have passed the good Dr and his wife on their way to a house call -- although, probably not.
I really enjoyed reading about the experiences of this doctor and his patients. There aren't probably very many rural doctors and even fewer doctors who routinely see Amish patients. I think it's a privilege to be given this peek into the lives of others and found myself taking a great liking to Dr Yarbrough because of his dedication to and interest in his community. I am old enough to be able to read between the lines and appreciate the exceptionally difficult times that the Dr and his nurse went through to provide the care for their patients.
This book is very well written and the editing is perfect. You can read a little bit at at a time because the book is broken down into a number of different house calls and experiences. I highly recommend this book.
I don't actually live all that far away from where this all takes place and have been through the area often. I like to think that I could have passed the good Dr and his wife on their way to a house call -- although, probably not.
May 10, 2015
Thank you God for such Dr.s
Medicine doesn't always need to be so complicated.....As this one Dr. Understood...To those of us in our 60's and 70's...This book will take you back to the days of your youth when people just didn't go to the doctor unless it was something medically major wrong!!! The first reason being we (and everyone we knew) were a of 9 children, mom and dad along with my grandmother (dad's mother) and my great grandmother (dad's grandmother) were all of one household and dirt poor.....I didn't realize we were poor until about 3rd or 4th grade. I could very well relate...having lived in a time when if castor oil didn't do the trick something else that caused you to gag would...
Medicine doesn't always need to be so complicated.....As this one Dr. Understood...To those of us in our 60's and 70's...This book will take you back to the days of your youth when people just didn't go to the doctor unless it was something medically major wrong!!! The first reason being we (and everyone we knew) were a of 9 children, mom and dad along with my grandmother (dad's mother) and my great grandmother (dad's grandmother) were all of one household and dirt poor.....I didn't realize we were poor until about 3rd or 4th grade. I could very well relate...having lived in a time when if castor oil didn't do the trick something else that caused you to gag would...
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October 25, 2015House Calls- Yes some doctors still make house calls especially among the Amish. The Amish try to use a doctor that will make house calls for many reasons one being transportation another, someone they can trust to give them the best medical advice. House calls is filled with interesting renditions of real house calls. You get to know the patients and sometimes their families. The doctor realized early in his career to dress close to the traditional Amish garb to help put the people at ease. Doctor Yarbrough tells of a time when dressing like the Amish really helped him care for a few patients. I really enjoyed this book on my Kindle. It was a great choice for bedtime reading.
May 18, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyed this book reminding me of when I was born.
My mother told me I was born at home. She told daddy she was gonna deliver so he tied sheets to the railing at the foot of the bed and she called the doctor who made house calls. Mama said when the doctor got there and came into the bedroom, it is a girl and that will be $50.00. She said he did nothing. Of course I don't remember doctors making house calls but from what mama said it was a lot better. This book brought back of memories of my mom and how convenient it was back then.
My mother told me I was born at home. She told daddy she was gonna deliver so he tied sheets to the railing at the foot of the bed and she called the doctor who made house calls. Mama said when the doctor got there and came into the bedroom, it is a girl and that will be $50.00. She said he did nothing. Of course I don't remember doctors making house calls but from what mama said it was a lot better. This book brought back of memories of my mom and how convenient it was back then.
September 14, 2015
These are true stories of a doctor making house calls in rural area due to the area in which they lived in and no transportation. The people in the area would call the the doctor and he would make house calls. With just a few instruments and discussing the symptoms he would determine the illness of the patient or if necessary he would take them to the hospital. This was the way doctors use to work in earlier years but he never stopped. Each chapter tell about a different case that he attended. This is a short book but very interesting, well written and enjoyable to read.
June 24, 2016
Very quick read.
Didn't really live up to my expectations...so few stories were related.
A good look inside the interaction of the Amish w the Outside World in their medical situations.
Interesting that, to foster comfort among his patients, the doctor began to dress like Amish men, including growing his beard...but it makes me wonder how his non-Amish patients reacted.
I wish it had been longer and much better written.
Didn't really live up to my expectations...so few stories were related.
A good look inside the interaction of the Amish w the Outside World in their medical situations.
Interesting that, to foster comfort among his patients, the doctor began to dress like Amish men, including growing his beard...but it makes me wonder how his non-Amish patients reacted.
I wish it had been longer and much better written.
January 4, 2025
I enjoyed this collection of stories written by a doctor who is empathetic and understanding of the Amish. This offers a tasteful, inside view of the Amish lifestyle written in an authentic voice, as well as a semi-outsider's perspective otherwise hard to find in such candid detail. A short and easy but interesting read.
September 9, 2014
I hesitated to read this book, as I was just recovering from an illness, and didn't want to focus on things like this. But I picked it up in the middle of the night and started reading and then continued the next day. The book goes quickly as the chapters are short. I ended up enjoying it more than I had thought.
March 16, 2015
The only thing wrong with this book was: it was way too short!!!
Gary Yarbrough is the doctor for a widespread community in a rural area, and for a lot of the Amish people. He tells us about some of his more interesting cases, in an easy to understand manner, although some medical terms are used, but explained in plain English.
I loved this book.
Gary Yarbrough is the doctor for a widespread community in a rural area, and for a lot of the Amish people. He tells us about some of his more interesting cases, in an easy to understand manner, although some medical terms are used, but explained in plain English.
I loved this book.
May 19, 2015
Stories written by an "English" doctor, treating the Amish in his community. I was particularly struck by the cultural differences in medical care during life and death situations. The Amish accept death as a natural progression in life and are generally unwilling to use heroic measures to save someone's life, even a baby or child.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews