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"Hey Doc": Memoirs of a Rural Family Physician
Wisconsin family physician, Dr. James Damos, knows firsthand what rural practice can contribute to the body of medicine and to the communities they serve.
While most of today’s medical students will choose specialized fields of care in a city environment, James Damos bucked the trend. For the past few decades, medical schools have steered their students toward specialization and away from the option of serving as a doctor in a small community. Damos would like to see this changed.
Using real-life examples and illustrations from his own experience practicing in a small town, Dr. Damos provides a glimpse into the exciting challenges these doctors face day to day.
Damos also describes the health challenges his own family has endured, detailing their struggles with childhood cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease. These traumatic events and others described in this heartfelt memoir drive home the benefits of a close-knit community.
From the viewpoint of a doctor, a husband and a father, Jim Damos illustrates how genuine personal relationships and a connection with others is sometimes the best medicine.
While most of today’s medical students will choose specialized fields of care in a city environment, James Damos bucked the trend. For the past few decades, medical schools have steered their students toward specialization and away from the option of serving as a doctor in a small community. Damos would like to see this changed.
Using real-life examples and illustrations from his own experience practicing in a small town, Dr. Damos provides a glimpse into the exciting challenges these doctors face day to day.
Damos also describes the health challenges his own family has endured, detailing their struggles with childhood cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease. These traumatic events and others described in this heartfelt memoir drive home the benefits of a close-knit community.
From the viewpoint of a doctor, a husband and a father, Jim Damos illustrates how genuine personal relationships and a connection with others is sometimes the best medicine.
- GenresNonfictionMedical
268 pages, Paperback
Published July 2, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 5, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Dr Damos's tales of life and adventures in all his practice settings. I come from the UK where the smaller General Practitioner model is still the preferred option in rural and small town settings. The National Health Service model also means that all medical practice is covered and there's no faffing about with expensive, time consuming and bureaucratic dealing s within the system, using insurance based models as it's done here in the US. The stories told by Dr Damos made it plain how difficult the US model of healthcare can be, always with the possibility of litigation. His smaller, rural practice illustrated a model very reminiscent of the UK model, where patients were fewer and it was possible to get to know them and their medical histories over time, almost like the 'from the cradle to the grave' model of yesteryear. Very satisfying, I would assume - for doctors, medical staff and patients.
I'm not a medical professional, but have had a lot of personal experiences of all models of healthcare as a patient (in the UK, in Norway [where I lived for eight years - also under a so-called socialized medical system]), and here in the US. So far, by balancing my needs with different insurance policies here, I've had no problems with having to pay exorbitant costs for healthcare. I do believe though that a small town and rural practice models has a place as part of generalized healthcare, especially in states where people tend to live far from big health centers and hospitals. I also wonder how people cope when they can't afford health insurance. But I've digressed.
I would have been happy to read more about Dr Damos, his life and work but understand his constraints. I wish him well during his retirement.
I'm not a medical professional, but have had a lot of personal experiences of all models of healthcare as a patient (in the UK, in Norway [where I lived for eight years - also under a so-called socialized medical system]), and here in the US. So far, by balancing my needs with different insurance policies here, I've had no problems with having to pay exorbitant costs for healthcare. I do believe though that a small town and rural practice models has a place as part of generalized healthcare, especially in states where people tend to live far from big health centers and hospitals. I also wonder how people cope when they can't afford health insurance. But I've digressed.
I would have been happy to read more about Dr Damos, his life and work but understand his constraints. I wish him well during his retirement.
September 6, 2023
Yes, there were sad parts and it feels strange to use this word, but I thought this was fascinating. I am going to highlight some things that stood out to me.
Hemorrhagic Fever in the US?
There was this four-year-old with a problem and when it was being described on page 48. My first thought, I kid you not, was is this Hemorrhagic Fever? Follow by, we're not in Korea during the Korean War. It can't be that! Then next page it was talking about kidney failure, which in a way I was right. In the TV show M*A*S*H, they talk about hemorrhagic fever, where there can be kidney failure. I know this is going to sound wrong, but I got excited for I recognize something from a fictional and historical show.
Ah, Kerosene
I read House Calls and Hitching Posts, which is about doctor who serves an Amish community. In other words, that book focuses on a rural community. This doctor has seen patients come in with hands soaked in kerosene, because according to them it helps the wound. The doctor thought his patient was going to get an infection due to the kerosene, but that did not happen! Guess what shows up in this book? As you see by my subject heading, kerosene makes an appearance. I got a bit excited about that.
Verdict: It was also cool to see that Dr. James Damos also helped set up a program, but I really was interested in the two things that I mentioned.
Hemorrhagic Fever in the US?
There was this four-year-old with a problem and when it was being described on page 48. My first thought, I kid you not, was is this Hemorrhagic Fever? Follow by, we're not in Korea during the Korean War. It can't be that! Then next page it was talking about kidney failure, which in a way I was right. In the TV show M*A*S*H, they talk about hemorrhagic fever, where there can be kidney failure. I know this is going to sound wrong, but I got excited for I recognize something from a fictional and historical show.
Ah, Kerosene
I read House Calls and Hitching Posts, which is about doctor who serves an Amish community. In other words, that book focuses on a rural community. This doctor has seen patients come in with hands soaked in kerosene, because according to them it helps the wound. The doctor thought his patient was going to get an infection due to the kerosene, but that did not happen! Guess what shows up in this book? As you see by my subject heading, kerosene makes an appearance. I got a bit excited about that.
Verdict: It was also cool to see that Dr. James Damos also helped set up a program, but I really was interested in the two things that I mentioned.
October 10, 2023
The cover caught my eye, and truly I've had a bizarre fascination with this profession since Dr. Quincy and I had our first date in 1980 something. The world of Doctors. The world of Doctors following clues and solving things.
"Hey Doc" was a quick read into the life of an American Doctor. It dipped in and out of his life and in and out of the lives of others in expected fashion but I like listening to the stories of average humans. We don't get enough credit :D
If you like human stories and the physician profession, you will enjoy "Hey Doc".
"Hey Doc" was a quick read into the life of an American Doctor. It dipped in and out of his life and in and out of the lives of others in expected fashion but I like listening to the stories of average humans. We don't get enough credit :D
If you like human stories and the physician profession, you will enjoy "Hey Doc".
July 25, 2020
A fascinating look at one doctor’s experience with rural medical care. The interesting perspective is much needed in today’s health care debate. My only complaint was the stilted dialogue which is used to explain things to the reader and comes across as not genuinely what the person said.
June 3, 2021
A great read! Well-written account of personal experiences. I liked the way James Damos included information about his family life as well as his practice of medicine. I also appreciated how he gives short definitions of medical terms so that non-medical people can understand what is being said.
March 28, 2023
What a joy it was to read Dr. Damos' memoirs of being a small-town family physician. If you like the stores of James Herriot, Philip Gulley, Jan Karon, or Debbie Macomber, you'll find great pleasure reading "Hey, Doc." Highly recommended.
January 24, 2020
A wonderful look at rural family medicine.
November 26, 2021
This is a very excellent book for those interested in 1970s medical practice.
December 29, 2021
A quick read for a slow reader. Not much literary tension but very touching at times. The author's advocacy for rural hospitals and family physicians is a primary focus of the book.
September 30, 2024
Great read! Thoroughly enjoyed this book!
January 12, 2020
A great read
As a family doc, this was such a relatable read. It made me remember the reasons I became a doctor. It reinforced my choices to continue providing maternity/OB care. I recommend this read to not only physicians but also to others. It helps provide the perspective of a physician and shares some of the things we experience. Great read!
As a family doc, this was such a relatable read. It made me remember the reasons I became a doctor. It reinforced my choices to continue providing maternity/OB care. I recommend this read to not only physicians but also to others. It helps provide the perspective of a physician and shares some of the things we experience. Great read!
July 22, 2019
Anyone thinking of working in healthcare should read this book!
I couldn't be prouder to be related to Jim. He has had many memorable experiences. I wish more people in the healthcare profession were as passionate about their work as he has been. We shared many professional stories. Great book!
I couldn't be prouder to be related to Jim. He has had many memorable experiences. I wish more people in the healthcare profession were as passionate about their work as he has been. We shared many professional stories. Great book!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews