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Medicine and Madness: Stories of a Bipolar Physician
This collection of personal essays provides a candid and in depth look at mental illness from the perspective of a bipolar physician.
This book chronicles Dr. Cynthia Clinkingbeard’s journey through medicine and into madness and beyond. It is at times heartbreaking, often funny and occasionally exultant. It is written to bring hope to those with mental illness, their families and friends. It is also written to educate those who know nothing about mental illness about how complicated, stigmatizing and devastating a mental health diagnosis can become. Dr. Clinkingbeard graduated from the best universities and Fellowship programs. She taught for three years at her alma mater, Stanford University. Later she practiced Endocrinology in her own very successful private practice. This vocational success did not keep her from derailing her life or ending her medical career. And yet she remains resilient, forging a life of family, meaning and prosperity.
This book chronicles Dr. Cynthia Clinkingbeard’s journey through medicine and into madness and beyond. It is at times heartbreaking, often funny and occasionally exultant. It is written to bring hope to those with mental illness, their families and friends. It is also written to educate those who know nothing about mental illness about how complicated, stigmatizing and devastating a mental health diagnosis can become. Dr. Clinkingbeard graduated from the best universities and Fellowship programs. She taught for three years at her alma mater, Stanford University. Later she practiced Endocrinology in her own very successful private practice. This vocational success did not keep her from derailing her life or ending her medical career. And yet she remains resilient, forging a life of family, meaning and prosperity.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 18, 2024
Riveting Read
I read this page-turner in one day. I just couldn’t put it down! It is a heart-wrenching true story of a brilliant woman’s journey, and the ensuing mental health struggles throughout her life. The author’s writing style is riveting as she openly shares the ups and downs of her life. It has moments of sadness, despair, wit, and even great humor. In this day and age of our country’s mental health crisis, I highly recommend you read this and share with family and friends.
I read this page-turner in one day. I just couldn’t put it down! It is a heart-wrenching true story of a brilliant woman’s journey, and the ensuing mental health struggles throughout her life. The author’s writing style is riveting as she openly shares the ups and downs of her life. It has moments of sadness, despair, wit, and even great humor. In this day and age of our country’s mental health crisis, I highly recommend you read this and share with family and friends.
September 26, 2024
My Doctor's story.
Amazing strength of will and genius mind describe this author to me. When she was practicing medicine in Boise she was my Endocrinologist. Her life story takes you on a dizzying roller coaster ride of wellness and mania that is common to bipolar individuals. I couldn't put her book down. I have such respect for Cynthia. Thank you for your insights into mental health issues and the proof that we have far to go to treat them.
Amazing strength of will and genius mind describe this author to me. When she was practicing medicine in Boise she was my Endocrinologist. Her life story takes you on a dizzying roller coaster ride of wellness and mania that is common to bipolar individuals. I couldn't put her book down. I have such respect for Cynthia. Thank you for your insights into mental health issues and the proof that we have far to go to treat them.
February 22, 2024
What a challenging life so far
This book tells the reality of mental illness and the struggles even the most educated have in maintaining a healthy, stable life. I was greatly moved by her recollections of her parents and wish her well.
This book tells the reality of mental illness and the struggles even the most educated have in maintaining a healthy, stable life. I was greatly moved by her recollections of her parents and wish her well.
November 14, 2025
The book was not well written. If I had not know the author, I may have lasted 10 pages at the most!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews