Good Medicine, Hard Times: Memoir of a Combat Physician in Iraq

by Edward P. Horvath

Good ​Medicine, Hard Times  is the moving memoir of one of the most senior-ranking combat physicians to have served on the battlefields of the second Iraq war. Former US Army Colonel Edward P. Horvath, MD, brings readers through the intricacies of war as he relates stories of working to save the lives of soldiers, enemies, and civilians alike and shares the moral dilemmas faced by medical professionals during war. Enlisting in the Army as a fifty-nine-year-old physician, Dr. Horvath knew that he had a greater calling in to save the “neighbor’s kid”—no matter who that neighbor or the kid might be. Over his three deployments, he strived to do that amid cultural clashes, insurgent attacks, military controversy, and the suffering of children caught in the crossfire. In his clear-eyed, empathetic, and unforgettable account ,  he shows what it means to provide compassionate care in the most trying of circumstances, always keeping in mind that every person he cares for is someone’s child.

Genres: Medical, Nonfiction, Military Fiction, Memoir, Biography

262 pages, Paperback

Published July 15, 2022

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A personal reflection of a US Army doctor about his service in Iraq. Dr. Horvath brings some of his experiences to life for the reader. So proud of our military men and women who sacrifice for their country. God Bless them all and thank you Dr. Horvath for your service.

[Ross Pennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having finished this riveting memoir a few days ago, I am still reeling from the horrors therein. The mortal danger to which the sixty-year-old physician/soldier/writer was subjected for months on end left me speechless. I had no idea that being a senior American doctor in a war zone was so dangerous. I also had no idea that a high-ranking officer would be housed in cramped and shockingly primitive quarters. The army, apparently an impersonal machine, seemed to give him little respect. Making the writer travel 375 miles through exceedingly dangerous territory to have a meeting with an army administrator instead of conducting the business over the telephone seemed irresponsible.
The writer makes the vast numbers of deaths and dismemberments he encountered exquisitely and excruciatingly real. The story of him saving the life of a young solider who was close to death from a ruptured spleen – and then unexpectedly meeting the boy’s grateful mother in their home town months later – left me thoroughly overwhelmed and choked up.
I loved the engaging style of this well-crafted memoir. It is written without rancour, judgement, or political ideology but allows readers to draw their own conclusions about the futility of war on any front and the legitimacy of the war in Iraq in particular.
The insights I gained from Edward Horvath’s brilliantly told story will stay with me for a long time.

[Meia Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former U.S Army Colonel Edward P. Horvath, MD, creates a piece of literature that compels the audience with a raw, in-depth description of being involved in the Iraq War in the 21st century as an important and essential healthcare provider providing compassionate care for his patients while also experiencing many major personal issues during a time of combat. “Good Medicine, Hard Times,” piqued my interest at every chapter, providing his perspective on subjects that any civilian with no military experience could hope to not undergo.

As a paramedic student, and after reading this book, Dr. Horvath has become an inspirational figure to me and made me realize once more, that as healthcare providers, we will see our patients and their families in their worst, darkest, and saddest moments, and it is our responsibility to provide the upmost care that we can give, even if it means to resorting to just simply talking to our patients as fellow human beings.

Thank you, Dr. Horvath for willing to provide such literature that discusses a diverse experience of being a combat physician deployed in what is described to be a hellish place through the eyes of a civilian. And thank you to all U.S military servicemen and women for your commitment, dedication, and sacrifice.

[Paul Pawlaczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading Good Medicine, Hard Times. I thought the book did a great job providing a comprehensive look at life as a combat physician in Iraq. While there were plenty of harrowing tales of life and death, some of the more mundane details about being deployed were also interesting. Who knew one could convert a latrine into a bedroom? You also get a true sense of the tremendous sacrifices our men and women in uniform make on behalf of our country. We owe them our sincere gratitude, and are certainly proud to call Col. Horvath an alumnus of The Ohio State University.

[Kristen Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really appreciated Col. Horvath’s openness. Written with enough detail to grasp the experience without sharing details too difficult for those who have not prepared for, nor experienced war. His writing allows us to access the pain and joy associated with providing care and caring…and living.

[Katelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an insightful memoir by an Army doctor about his three tours in Iraq. Recommended for fans of medical memoirs.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book puts the horrible, senseless reality of war in full view.

[Andrew Goad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stories, bad writing.
Very interesting book that was clearly written by the author and not a ghost writer.

[Drake Dukowitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was very good and super inspiring.

[Emily Horvath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, well written and accessible to those who aren't in medicine or the military!!!

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even the most stoic reader will likely find themselves wiping wet eyes. This book is well-written, and the story is an emotional onslaught. Accessible to soldiers and civilians, I recommend it.