The Best Medicine: Tales of Humor and Hope from a Small-Town Doctor

by Walt Larimore

When Dr. Walt Larimore moved his young family to Kissimmee, Florida, to start a small-town medical practice in 1985, he had no idea he was embarking on an enterprise that would change his life in ways both large and small. But there's no telling what you'll run into as a family physician in a rural, small-town community.

Perfect for anyone yearning for a simpler, slower pace of life, as well as fans of Dr. Larimore's popular Bryson City series, The Best Medicine is a tender and insightful collection of stories chronicling one young doctor's passage from inexperience to maturity as a physician, husband, father, and community member. Filled with characters colorful and crusty, warm-hearted and hot-headed, witty and winsome, these captivating stories glow with warmth, love, and humor. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll wish Dr. Larimore was your doctor.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Humor, Memoir, Health, Biography Memoir

272 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2020

About the author

Dr. Larimore is one of America’s best-known family physicians and is listed in the Best Doctors in America, Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare, and the International Health Professionals of the Year. His MD degree is from Louisiana State University, with AOA Honors, while his Family Medicine residency, with an emphasis in Sports Medicine was at the Duke University Medical Center, where he was named one of the top twelve Family Medicine residents in the nation. He also completed a Queen’s Teaching Fellowship in Nottingham, England.

After his training, Dr. Larimore practiced 4 years in the Smoky Mountains before moving to Central Florida to practice for 16 years. From 1993-1994 he served as the President of the Florida Academy of Family Physicians. In 1996, he was named America’s Outstanding Family Medicine Educator by the American Academy of Family Physicians. In 2000, Dr. and Mrs. Larimore were named Educators of the Year by the Christian Medical Association.

The Larimores relocated to Colorado Springs in 2001. Besides practicing family medicine, Dr. Larimore is also an author, educator, and medical journalist. He serves on the adjunct family medicine faculty of the In His Image Family Medicine Residency in Tulsa, Oklahoma and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver.

As a medical journalist, from 1996 to 2001, Dr. Larimore hosted over 850 episodes of the daily, live Ask the Family Doctor show on Fox’s Health Network, being awarded the prestigious "Gracie" Award by the American Women in Radio and Television. From 2002 to 2004, Dr. Larimore hosted the Focus on Your Family’s Health’s syndicated radio and TV features.

Dr. Larimore is a frequent guest about family health topics on a wide variety of television and radio programs and has appeared on The Today Show, CBS’s Morning Show, several Fox News programs, and CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360. He provides medical commentary for radio stations in Chicago, Orlando, Baltimore, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Tampa, Albuquerque, and Ft. Wayne.

Dr. Larimore has written or edited over twenty books and over 600 articles in a variety of medical journals and lay magazines. His best-selling books include Bryson City Tales, Bryson City Seasons, and Alternative Medicine: The Christian Handbook.

Dr. Larimore co-wrote, with Barb, his childhood sweetheart and wife of over 35 years, His Brain, Her Brain: How divinely designed differences can strengthen your marriage. He also wrote the health chapter for Coach Joe Gibb’s best-selling book Game Plan for Life.

Dr. Larimore’s most recent health book is 10 Essentials of Happy, Healthy People, an undated and revised version of his award winning book 10 Essentials of Highly Healthy People. In 2009 he co-wrote his first novel, Time Scene Investigators: The Gabon Virus, with Paul McCusker. The sequel, Time Scene Investigators: The Influenza Bomb will be released in 2010.

Reviews

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most astonishing book I have read in years. I found myself laughing, crying and examining my own spiritual being. I always knew Dr. Larimore was a great doctor and a compassionate man. In this book I found him to be a stronger Christian than I knew was possible. I wish he were still in Kissimmee to say thank you for helping me to understand balance.
No matter who you are .... this book will help you to examine your own life while bring a small town come to life. A must read!!!

[Jan Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walt Larimore is a master storyteller who weaves wisdom, compassion and laughter into these tales of medical practice in small town Florida. This book is a golden gift, an invitation to pause and consider the beauty and drama of caring for patients. I was deeply moved by these stories and stirred to remember my higher calling. I could not put it down!

[Andrea Meador · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not only full of hilarious stories of everyday people, but also very educational. Great advice/tips, wisdom on medical treatments and procedures, awesome suggestions on everyday life, from finances, children, relationships, to your personal relationship with God. This book made me smile, tear up, laugh out loud and made me wish I had the privilege of knowing Dr. Larimore.

[Tara Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommended anyone and everyone to read “The Best Medicine”. Yo be completely honest, I am not an avid book reader. I like to read when I’m by the pool or at the beach. I spend most of my time reading magazines or news articles. Once I started “The Best Medicine”, I couldn’t put the book down. I often reflected on my own personal experiences and realizing that we have all have our journey or good and bad - it’s how you how you deal with things. Dr. Larimore is a great author, he draws you in right from the start. I have the great pleasure of knowing Kissimmee, the setting of the story, and it makes me miss “home”. When I finished “The Best Medicine” I was instantly craving more. I look forward to reading the book again and sharing with all my friends.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walt Larimore is a wonderful storyteller who takes you through life lessons by relating his experiences as a small-town doctor who meets people where they are, and when the situation calls for comforting and advising others, he shares God's love and his own wisdom. He also shares the wisdom that his patients, friends, and others have taught him. A broad audience will enjoy it and a great read for Christian healthcare professionals to reflect upon and ponder about the insights gained from life and those we encounter. You will laugh and empathize with the stories. I highly recommend this book!

[Connie Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so captured by The Best Medicine that I had trouble putting it down until I just absolutely couldn't keep my eyes open any longer at night! Dr. Walt Larimore's wonderful writing just draws you into his stories and the characters. I was especially moved by the hummingbird story in chapter 14. Amazing! I so enjoyed reading this book. I laughed and cried and was sad when it ended. I wanted to keep reading and reading about his time in Kissimme FL and all the people he wrote about.

[Pam Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Dr. Walt Larimore’s new release in a series of small-town medicine anecdotes. In this edition he and his family move from Bryson City, North Carolina to Kissimmee, Florida, where he starts a new family practice.

Dr. Walt, as he is known, introduces us to characters and patients from his real-life small town and medical practice. Endearing descriptions of the small town characters bring them to life. I liken Dr. Walt as a modern day Marcus Welby, MD from old 1970’s television. His practice is molded with compassion, understanding and a perception of the whole-life experience of the individual—the body and the spirit.

The reading is delightful and light, generously peppered with humor, humility, self deprecation at times, and always humble as we witness Dr. Walt’s professional, personal and spiritual growth. He also relates the delight and sorrow in his own personal life. I felt that I could pull up a chair and drink a cup of coffee, leaning into each chapter. There I could share a laugh as well as a tear.

I have not read Dr. Walt Larimore’s previous tales of a small-town doctor, Bryson City Tales: Stories of a Doctor's First Year of Practice in the Smoky Mountains.

Bryson City Seasons: More Tales of a Doctor’s Practice in the Smoky Mountains

Bryson City Secrets: Even More Tales of a Small-Town Doctor in the Smoky Mountains,

but I can assure you I will be adding them to my reading list and I suggest you do too.

[Annemarie Dugan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Walt’s latest book is like honey butter on a warm biscuit. With milk.

With marvelous homespun-fun and artful storytelling, the charming and endearing tales of “The Best Medicine” nourish and comfort the soul. But don’t be fooled! This feel-good, easy read is punctuated with profound spiritual wisdom & rich life-lessons—all masterfully delivered with the precision of a surgical scalpel.

You will laugh; you will cry. You will be inspired to take risks and live out your faith as never before. (You will also buy multiple copies as gifts for friends, and they will thank you for it!)

A true tonic for what ails you, I highly recommend this book! Fantastic read, Dr. Walt. Thank you!

[Gretchen Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the title (The Best Medicine) of this latest book by Walt Larimore implies that all of the stories are related to the medical field. But that would definitely be limiting all that the book has to offer. Yes, Dr. Larimore did include several patient stories (and even changed many names to protect privacy), and his connection to the medical field provides part of his perspective.

But this book is also about the importance of living a life full of integrity. Dr. Larimore is honest about his shortcomings such as his workaholic tendencies. But he also talks about he chose to purposefully grow as a person. He talks about the importance of accountability. I bookmarked many quotations about intentional living. So many words of wisdom are included.

This book is set in Kissimmee, Florida. Evidently that area has a small town feel. I enjoyed repeated stories about certain characters. Getting to "know" his children and some of his colleagues adds to the charm. There were many humorous moments in the book! Really the title could almost be subtitled essays about small-town Florida.

I was glad to see that there will be a sequel to this title. Dr. Larimore has a wonderful way of conveying truth with understanding. While this is a lighter read in many ways, eternal lessons are included that help the message to continue.

Note: I did get an e-copy of the book, so that I could be an advanced reader. Thanks to Revell (and incidentally NetGalley) for allowing that privilege. But I also purchased a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

[Mark Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read! I have been a fan of Dr. Walt for years, dating back to his daily practice anecdotes from his early days in practice published in the Family Practice Journal. He does a wonderful job of telling a story about the beauty of Family Medicine, interwoven with his love of his family, and his abundant spirituality. The BEST things about his books is that they are SO GOOD that I am spared the effort of having to write one myself, as anything I would share would pale in comparison. Dr Larimore shares his victories and failures, self-doubt and joy that many of us can relate to. This book reminds me of the beauty of my profession, in times that I need inspiration. Put this on your short list to read.

[Kim Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best Medicine was a fun and meaningful read. It transported me to a Kissimmee that most of the world doesn’t know ever existed. Not the bedroom town to Disney World, but a small town built around family, cattle, and hard work. As I read, I felt like I was there, meeting the townsfolk and experiencing the ups and downs of life with Dr. Walt. It made me long for those deep relationships with people that teach me about life and make me desire to be more of what God created me to be, and it reminded me to pass that on to others. In this time of Covid and social distancing, I know I need a reminder of the importance of those types of relationships, and the value of making the effort to maintain them. The medical stories were interesting and often humorous, even from my non medical perspective. I highly recommend this book for a fairly quick read with just the right amount of light heartedness mixed with serious insights.

[Jody-Barbara Crain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down! Of course, I had to from, time to time. But, it was very difficult to focus on my work, as I couldn't wait till I had more time to read. The author is a master storyteller. He intrigues you with a fascinating snippet... and then draws you into the story, as if you were there experiencing it with him!

Not only is Dr. Walt Larimore, obviously an accomplished medical doctor, he is also an amazing historian. Growing up on a farm with a dad who was a true-blue Texan cowboy, I learned more about the history of cows, horses and cowboys throughout the USA than I had ever heard from my dad. The Best Medicine helped me appreciate my dad, all the more.

Absolutely a brilliant writer & book. Can't wait for the sequel to come out!

[Ken Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

After having read Dr. Walt Larimore's newest book, The Best Medicine: Tales of Humor and Hope from a Small-Town Doctor, I'm not sure if Dr. Walt’s superpower is to be a storyteller, family doctor or man of deep and abiding faith. I think it best to say he is all three. Dr. Walt has written a wonderful book of personal stories recounting his years as a doctor in the small cow-town of Kissimmee, Florida decades ago. Woven throughout the unique events – both tragic and humorous- of what it was like to be a family physician in a rodeo town are his introductions to the equally unique people who most impacted his life. Dr. Walt is thoroughly transparent, surgically admitting his own struggles, insecurities, and failures. Each chapter offers the reader lessons on life, success, family-work priorities and the importance and permanence of Dr. Walt's Christian faith strengthened by the counsel and love of people God put into his life. This book is perfect for those readers who like to lay on the couch wrapped in their snuggies and be transported to a better time and place. If you never meet Dr.Walt in person you will believe you have when you finish. This book has it all. So, turn off the TV, grab your snuggy, heat up some water for the hot chocolate and let him take you by the hand to another time and place.

[Laurel Williston · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first glance, this book appears to be some random stories about a medical practice in Florida. But when you take a deeper look, you find stories of success, failure, and trying again all woven together by faith, perseverance, and a good sense of humor. Dr. Larimore weaves each story into a tapestry that highlights God’s work in his life and gives an honest look at how he grew as a doctor, father, husband, and Christian. You’ll meet many colorful characters who will entertain and challenge you right along with the author. I’ve been entertained and educated by every book of Dr. Larimore’s that I’ve read, and this one is no exception.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I was reading Walt Larimore’s book, “the Best Medicine”, I felt the joys and the sorrows of the people who came into Walt’s new life in this laid back, sleepy community called Kissimmee. Always relying on his faith and the love of family, as well as keeping a heartfelt openness to seek support and confirmation, Walt showed me that we are truly all one family in God’s eyes and He will always hold us lovingly in his arms when we put our faith in Him. This was a wonderful story that will bless all who read it.

[Betty Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read Dr. Larimore's other books. As I started reading The Best Medicine, I could not put it down. It brought back so many memories of Kissimmee where I grew up, the different people that was mentioned in the book that lived there and knew their children and the great history lesson on the different families that lived in the county. Dr. Larimore is a great story teller, he is also a great physician and a Godly man. This book is light hearted, full of laughter and to see the spiritual growth of an individual
Betty Kay Renick

[JM Dail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept my attention from the moment I picked it up! I love books that trigger all the emotions (not fear), this one does!! I found myself quickly turning pages to find out what happens next. Laughter, smiles, generational stories, heart warming sentiments and consistent expressions of Christian faith & endurance through tragedy & change. This book brought joy & happiness all the way through the beautiful story of Kissimmee. I will be choosing more books written by Dr. Larimore. And I plan to visit Kissimmee someday because of this book!

[A.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was hard to put down once I picked it up. It is written with such honesty, clarity, and transparency, that you can't help falling in love with all of the characters mentioned throughout the book. Dr. Walt comes across as a professional storyteller, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat with every recollection. Further, he speaks of his growing Christian faith with such humility and candor as he even points out his own flaws throughout the book, which is refreshing in a world where people like to place themselves on pedestals. Naturally, the book deals with a lot of medical issues, scenarios, and circumstances, but the author never writes in such a way that common people like myself don't understand what is going on, and even though there is a lot of medical stuff, there are enough references to raw, real, everyday life to keep the average "non-medical" person very interested and drawn into the life story of Dr. Walt.

ANYONE can enjoy this book, no matter their life stage, career, or profession. However, as a Christian father of young children, I especially found it to be very helpful for me as I seek to grow as a dad, husband, and most importantly, a follower of Jesus Christ. Though this book challenged me to grow in my faith and how I live it out, the tone of the author was never confrontational, judgmental, or legalistic in any way.

Bottom line: this book is an enjoyable, refreshing, and pleasurable read. If you're a father, husband, and/or dad, I ESPECIALLY encourage you to get a copy!

[Zanese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having grown up in central Florida among orange trees and cattle (mostly pre-Walt Disney World), I was quite attracted by the idea of a book of vignettes, called "The Best Medicine," that Walt Larimore, MD wrote about his family and patients during his time practicing in Kissimmee, FL in the 1980's. It's set up to be able to read one or two chapters at a sitting, but you'll probably want to go through every story (perhaps in no particular order). And, even if you are not familiar with Kissimmee, you'll get a glimpse of what the faith and life and friendships of a doctor could be like in the small-town America that existed toward the end of the 20th century.

Note: I received an Advance Reader Copy of the book from the publisher. 

[Brad Fox]

As a family physician, I can relate to a lot of the stories related in this book but the way Dr. Walt tells them doesn’t just remind me of my experiences, he draws me in to live his. His descriptions of characters and scenes, smells and sounds almost brought me into each story with him. A must read if you are a family physician, a patient or if you know a family physician or patients (that should be everyone). Bravo, Dr. Walt.

[Frances Kennison · Rating 5 out of 5]

That humans, created in God’s image, were designed to live in close community and not to go it alone sings out from every page of this winsome true story. The Best Medicine is truly an effective prescription to soothe 2020’s social isolation, and the author’s example reminded me to honor, cherish, and learn from those God has placed on my path. You will not regret embarking on this delightfully sweet, people-filled adventure!

[Jack Pike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Larimore’s book was such an enjoyable, uplifting and thought-provoking read.
I have read all of his books from his days in Bryson City, and they were filled with many heartwarming stories of his early days in practice as he assimilated into the community and took on a number of roles, including coroner. Of course the exit came in the wake of heartwrenching circumstances.
But, if my memory is good about what came before, I think this book represents a significant and powerful step forward in his relationship with God and his family. I laughed at many of the stories but, even more memorable for me were the ones for which I cried, because they described a spiritual experience with which I could often relate to my own life’s journey or interactions with patients and families. Walt’s Christian walk and loving non-judgmentalism, led to a divine appointment with Frank Crespo just in time. A testimony to love and patience.
I was in awe of Bill Judge, the godly man that Walt sought out as a mentor. The criteria that he laid out for him to be true mentor was not something that I had ever encountered, and I don’t think it’s hyperbole to say that his influence and spiritual guidance greatly contributed to who Walt is today.
I'm looking forward to more books and inspiration.

[Mel Evers]

I just finished reading Dr. Larimore’s new book the “The Best Medicine” and enjoyed it immensely.
Dr. Larimore has this unique ability to change you from a reader to an observer. You travel along side of him for an amazing adventure and a profound experience. He doesn’t tell you; he shows what it means to be a Christian, a spouse, a father, a friend, and a physician. The only word that I can describe his being is love. He clearly defines what you have to invest to have a good relationship and that is caring, time, respect, patience, understanding and probably most of all effort. I think that this book should be required reading for every couple considering marriage or having a child. It is that good. Dr. Larimore, thank you for the guidance, mentoring and sharing that is this book.

Mel Evers

[Michael C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Walt Larimore has an inspirational gift for bringing the characters, culture, and colloquialisms of small town America to the reader in stories of universal charm, humor, and challenge. His stories emanate the wondrous Science and Grace of healing for the body, mind, and Spirit and show unequivocally how the healer is also healed.
Michael Gaudiose MD; 2018 Pennsylvania Family Physician of the year

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great experience. I learned an”Old country doctor’s trick” laughed with the salt of the earth folks of Kissimmee, was a part of Katie’s birth (which brought back memories of days long ago as the wife of a new med student who agreed to let me watch him deliver a baby), saw the growth of wisdom in Walt’s life and loved every minute of reading this book. I’m making a list of people to give Best Medicine to for Christmas.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Walt Larimore’s book, "The Best Medicine; Tales of Humor and Hope from a Small-Town Doctor" was a treat to read. I laughed, I cried, I sighed. His work is a poignant memoir of Walt’s time as a young family medicine doctor working & raising his family in the Central Florida town of Kissimmee. I felt drawn into his vignettes as if I were personally being told the tales, and I was reminded of how inspiring and touching it can be to share the joy of reminiscing with others.
I particularly appreciated Dr. Larimore’s description of his mentors, and how those influences helped him to in turn teach his kids and patients. His book challenged me to prioritize devotional time with our Lord, quality time with family, and to always be there for others.
This book is full of heart, humor, healing, and hope. I am writing this prescription for you to read “The Best Medicine!”

[Jennifer Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This, for me, was like snuggling up by a fire and listening to those ahead of me talk about the lessons they have learned. I can gain wisdom from the author on life struggles (time management, dealing with people, and relationship building). I, too, am scared to let my faith show at work. I saw his journey of growth in that. This book makes me feel like I am coming home after being beat up in life to hear, "You are not alone. I have been there and let me tell you how I dealt with this." I feel refreshed and encouraged on life's road after resting in the shade of a tree by a hitching rail in Kissimmee.

[Richard Conroy, · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walt Larimore’s story-telling zeal is complimented by his practitioner compassion and emotional intelligence in sharing life excerpts from his small-town Florida medical practice. All of us need hope, humor, mentoring and much more as part of our life’s prescriptions. It is the “much more” salt and light that rises to the top in this multi-anecdotal work.The Best Medicine: Tales of Humor and Hope from a Small-Town DoctorWalt Larimore

[Ann Capper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book had a soothing effect on me and was a pleasant escape from the cares of the day. I found myself completely absorbed in the stories through Walt Larimore's vivid descriptions of the characters, conversations and settings. Along the way, I gleaned nuggets of wisdom and powerful insights about life and faith that encouraged, challenged and moved me. You don't have to be a health care practitioner or live in a small town to appreciate the warmth, wit and wonder of these entertaining tales!

[John Coppes, · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book with great stories of a small-town family practitioner. Being of a similar generation, many of his stories brought back wonderful memories of my time in medical practice. Walt has great transparency in his stories, showing us the ups and downs that he experienced while practicing in Kissimmee, Florida. He demonstrates that care and caring are the best medicine. The ability to find humor in embarrassing situations is a great way to have a healthy life.

I recommend this book highly.We can all learn from Walt's experiences.