The Art of Medicine: Healing and the Limits of Technology

by Herbert Ho Ping Kong, Michael Posner (Primary Contributor)

A renowned diagnostician shares stories of his patients and explores the importance of the human factor in medicine In The Art of Medicine , Toronto Western Hospital’s internist Dr. Herbert Ho Ping Kong draws on his vast dossier of personal cases and five decades as a clinician to examine the core principles of a patient-centered approach to diagnosis and treatment. While HPK, as he is fondly known, recognizes and applauds the many invaluable innovations in medical technology, he makes the point that as disease and its management grow increasingly complex, physicians must learn to develop an arsenal of more basic skills, actively using the arts of seeing, hearing, palpation, empathy, and advocacy to provide a more humane and holistic form of care. Aimed at medical practitioners, aspiring doctors, or anyone interested in health and medicine, this book also contains interviews with more than a dozen of HPK’s patients, as well as short essays that explore the thinking of his professional colleagues on the art of medicine.

Genres: Medicine, Nonfiction, Medical, Science

296 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2014

Reviews

[Mazen El-Baba · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's generally a good read with many interesting cases. The chapters are stand alones. There isn't much flow to the book. The editing is a little choppy, but it's not a book that is meant to be read as a novel. A little fluffy at times but a good reminder for anyone in healthcare.

[Shushan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Ho Ping Kong is single handedly bringing hope back into the practice of medicine.

This book should be required reading for all those interested in pursuing a career in the medical field.

Reading "The Art of Medicine" renews my determination to become a doctor, and also to learn the old ways of practicing medicine that is people/patient focused and one that doesn't rely heavily on machines and a myriad of test results but one that includes getting to know your patient's name and medical history to provide holistic medical care.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely enlightening. I feel if more doctors would treat their patients with the care and knowledge that Dr. Kong has acquired through his years of experience the benefits to medicine and treatment in general would be beneficial to all. My panacea- all medical students should have a copy of this book to read -just to see how diagnostic skills aid in the care and treatment of the patient.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for anyone in medicine as well as those outside of it as an example of what it means to be a top level healthcare practitioner.

[Sydney Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're interested in the human body and health this is a book for you! The wording in this was fantastic. Definitely going to recommend to my friends!