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Your Path of Best Existence: A Medical Guide's Road Map
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Incorporate the wisdom and sage advice that is embedded in these pages and I am confident you will lead a more purposeful and fulfilling life. One whose foundation is of optimal health: physically, spiritually and beyond.
~ Sanjiv Chopra, MD, MACP, FRCP, Bestselling AuthorProfessor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Summary
If James Bryce is correct when he says, "The worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it," then Your Path of Best Existence is worthy indeed.
While bits and pieces of Wollman's recommendations and advice may be found in other medical and healing-focused books, the difference here is that Dr. Wollman has compiled these insights into a single source that's peppered with stories from his career working in Emergency Medicine.
Additionally, Wollman's unique personal experience and specific anecdotes-some poignant, some heartbreaking, some funny-enhance the usefulness of this guide. The book also features actionable content we can all put to use in our own lives.
Incorporate the wisdom and sage advice that is embedded in these pages and I am confident you will lead a more purposeful and fulfilling life. One whose foundation is of optimal health: physically, spiritually and beyond.
~ Sanjiv Chopra, MD, MACP, FRCP, Bestselling AuthorProfessor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Summary
If James Bryce is correct when he says, "The worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it," then Your Path of Best Existence is worthy indeed.
While bits and pieces of Wollman's recommendations and advice may be found in other medical and healing-focused books, the difference here is that Dr. Wollman has compiled these insights into a single source that's peppered with stories from his career working in Emergency Medicine.
Additionally, Wollman's unique personal experience and specific anecdotes-some poignant, some heartbreaking, some funny-enhance the usefulness of this guide. The book also features actionable content we can all put to use in our own lives.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2022
14 people are currently reading
546 people want to read
About the author
Glenn D. Wollman
1 book7 followersGlenn Wollman, MD has always been on the leading edge of Medicine As a “Medical Guide” he assists people in making important medical decisions. Dr. Wollman uses an integrative, holistic approach, so that choices are made from the best healing methods available. Decisions are based on the unique and personal needs of the individual.
Throughout his career, Glenn Wollman effectively used a combined scientific and holistic method of treatment. He founded and was the Medical Director of a hospital-based Integrative Medicine Program at Saint Francis Medical Center in Santa Barbara, California. This Program was based on Harvard’s Integrative Medicine Programs combining the best of western and eastern medical practices.
Glenn Wollman MD dedicated his life to medicine and healing. For more than thirty years Dr. Wollman practiced Emergency Medicine in major city trauma centers and in rural emergency departments throughout the country including Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida, California Hospital Medical Center, a major trauma center in downtown Los Angeles, and Beverly Hills Medical Center in Beverly Hills, California.
Serving as a Physician, a Medical Director of multiple Emergency Departments and as a Chief Regional Medical Director for a National Emergency Medicine Group has exposed him to the highest levels of stress. Dr. Wollman has taken care of tens of thousands of people in the most critical of life-threatening situations. He has been a leader in guiding and assisting other physicians and medical personnel in coping with the challenges of taking care of people in crises. Through his own personal experience and study he developed a unique approach to “life balance”.
Dr. Wollman has also spent time in Mainland China as part of a medical group sharing Eastern and Western healing techniques. He studied internal and external martial arts for over thirty years and learned Qigong while in China and studied with monks in Tibet.
Dr. Wollman’s speaking experiences have paralleled his impressive medical career as a lecturer for medical students, nurses, paramedics, physicians and the general public. He was a well respected professor at the Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine and taught at the Santa Barbara City College Adult education department on life balance, Qigong, sleep, meditation, stress management, breathing and relaxation techniques. Dr. Wollman was a keynote speaker at the University of Santa Barbara’s “Conference on Global Healing”.
Throughout his career, Glenn Wollman effectively used a combined scientific and holistic method of treatment. He founded and was the Medical Director of a hospital-based Integrative Medicine Program at Saint Francis Medical Center in Santa Barbara, California. This Program was based on Harvard’s Integrative Medicine Programs combining the best of western and eastern medical practices.
Glenn Wollman MD dedicated his life to medicine and healing. For more than thirty years Dr. Wollman practiced Emergency Medicine in major city trauma centers and in rural emergency departments throughout the country including Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida, California Hospital Medical Center, a major trauma center in downtown Los Angeles, and Beverly Hills Medical Center in Beverly Hills, California.
Serving as a Physician, a Medical Director of multiple Emergency Departments and as a Chief Regional Medical Director for a National Emergency Medicine Group has exposed him to the highest levels of stress. Dr. Wollman has taken care of tens of thousands of people in the most critical of life-threatening situations. He has been a leader in guiding and assisting other physicians and medical personnel in coping with the challenges of taking care of people in crises. Through his own personal experience and study he developed a unique approach to “life balance”.
Dr. Wollman has also spent time in Mainland China as part of a medical group sharing Eastern and Western healing techniques. He studied internal and external martial arts for over thirty years and learned Qigong while in China and studied with monks in Tibet.
Dr. Wollman’s speaking experiences have paralleled his impressive medical career as a lecturer for medical students, nurses, paramedics, physicians and the general public. He was a well respected professor at the Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine and taught at the Santa Barbara City College Adult education department on life balance, Qigong, sleep, meditation, stress management, breathing and relaxation techniques. Dr. Wollman was a keynote speaker at the University of Santa Barbara’s “Conference on Global Healing”.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 18, 2022
I was very impressed with this book and the man who wrote it. I wish I had had the chance to meet him, for his humor and humanity are clearly conveyed through his writing. i also have felt that too often doctors only give prescriptions to deal with symptoms without taking into account or having much knowledge of other alternatives. This doctor is refreshing because he was very interested in treating patients with both traditional medical knowledge and recommending alternative/complementary approaches when appropriate.
Dr. Wollman’s goal is to help guide you to live a happy life with optimal health. He states in the Introduction, this book is “to help you to strive, embrace, fulfill, and balance your Gift, Mission, and Responsibility, so that you may travel your Path of Best Existence. “…”Part of my motivation for writing this book is to present thoughts, ideas and possibilities to consider.”
And that he does, with great insight and humor.
The book is the story of Dr. Wollman’s decision at a young age to become a doctor and his journey and transition from Medical Director for Emergency Departments and Regional Medical Director for a national group to later becoming what he termed a Medical Guide. He was always drawn to alternative medicine and started one of first hospital based integrative medicine programs in the country. His stories from his Emergency Dept. days are fascinating and run the gamut from very funny to very sad. His career in Emergency was over when he got injured, but then his long time interest in other healing modalities was a natural progression to another career.After a severe accident which ended his ER career, he established a new direction as a Medical Guide, helping patients to their optimum health by selecting appropriate traditional medicine with complementary alternative median.
His own injuries gave him insight and strong empathy for his patients, which is very evident in his writing. This is a man I would have loved to go to for health advice and direction.
His book is very well organized and written. Everything is explained clearly and thoughtfully. There are Four Parts or sections— each section has many Chapters (or Guideposts in the final section) .Looking over the titles of each chapter is entertaining and piques our interest in what is to follow. You just have only to look down the titles of the Chapters to start smiling: Some examples—-Nutrition: “A Twinkie a Day Keeps the Doctor Away.” Physical Activity: “Give Me Four More!”
The heart of his message is found in Part Two: Everyone’s Path: Six Aspects of Optimal Health
He has such important messages for the reader; one of the standouts is to try different things and find what works for you. Unlike some doctors who pronounce their way is the best and only way, Dr. Wollman presents many ideas and modalities for consideration. And importantly , his descriptions of various body organs and functions helps us understand nutrition and the process of digestion and helps us gain more respect for the way our body works .
Each section of the book often begins with an appropriate quote that illuminates his points, and often is a wry or humorous idea that makes us smile or want to read on to see why Dr. Wollman uses that quote. For example, in Part one Dr. Wollman gives us his history of becoming a doctor “My Path: Forging the Path of Least Existence” followed by a quote “If the path before you is clear, you’re probably on someone else’s.” Professor Joseph Campbell, 1904-1987. Likewise each chapter has some catchy title that I really enjoyed his frequent bon mots and occasional self deprecating humor.
I highly recommend this book.
Dr. Wollman’s goal is to help guide you to live a happy life with optimal health. He states in the Introduction, this book is “to help you to strive, embrace, fulfill, and balance your Gift, Mission, and Responsibility, so that you may travel your Path of Best Existence. “…”Part of my motivation for writing this book is to present thoughts, ideas and possibilities to consider.”
And that he does, with great insight and humor.
The book is the story of Dr. Wollman’s decision at a young age to become a doctor and his journey and transition from Medical Director for Emergency Departments and Regional Medical Director for a national group to later becoming what he termed a Medical Guide. He was always drawn to alternative medicine and started one of first hospital based integrative medicine programs in the country. His stories from his Emergency Dept. days are fascinating and run the gamut from very funny to very sad. His career in Emergency was over when he got injured, but then his long time interest in other healing modalities was a natural progression to another career.After a severe accident which ended his ER career, he established a new direction as a Medical Guide, helping patients to their optimum health by selecting appropriate traditional medicine with complementary alternative median.
His own injuries gave him insight and strong empathy for his patients, which is very evident in his writing. This is a man I would have loved to go to for health advice and direction.
His book is very well organized and written. Everything is explained clearly and thoughtfully. There are Four Parts or sections— each section has many Chapters (or Guideposts in the final section) .Looking over the titles of each chapter is entertaining and piques our interest in what is to follow. You just have only to look down the titles of the Chapters to start smiling: Some examples—-Nutrition: “A Twinkie a Day Keeps the Doctor Away.” Physical Activity: “Give Me Four More!”
The heart of his message is found in Part Two: Everyone’s Path: Six Aspects of Optimal Health
He has such important messages for the reader; one of the standouts is to try different things and find what works for you. Unlike some doctors who pronounce their way is the best and only way, Dr. Wollman presents many ideas and modalities for consideration. And importantly , his descriptions of various body organs and functions helps us understand nutrition and the process of digestion and helps us gain more respect for the way our body works .
Each section of the book often begins with an appropriate quote that illuminates his points, and often is a wry or humorous idea that makes us smile or want to read on to see why Dr. Wollman uses that quote. For example, in Part one Dr. Wollman gives us his history of becoming a doctor “My Path: Forging the Path of Least Existence” followed by a quote “If the path before you is clear, you’re probably on someone else’s.” Professor Joseph Campbell, 1904-1987. Likewise each chapter has some catchy title that I really enjoyed his frequent bon mots and occasional self deprecating humor.
I highly recommend this book.
November 18, 2022
Glenn's stories are remarkable and while the pathways and philosophy are obviously important too, it is his actual true-life narrative that held my attention.
It left me begging for even more anecdotes and tales of his encounters with both the best and worst of us...
There are thousands of medical professionals who probably have some interesting stories as well, but very few could ever make you feel like you are there at that moment the way he did.
Also, because I grew up with him, I know for a fact that everything he said was the truth. He wasn't the kind of person that would exaggerate or bend the story. And he had no need to... In his case, Truth WAS stranger than fiction.
I never knew that Theo Struhl brought Glenn into the emergency room as a child, but can certainly believe it. For god sake, the man literally WATER SKIIED to work every morning from his home on Palm Island!
That wasn't exactly conventional either...
It left me begging for even more anecdotes and tales of his encounters with both the best and worst of us...
There are thousands of medical professionals who probably have some interesting stories as well, but very few could ever make you feel like you are there at that moment the way he did.
Also, because I grew up with him, I know for a fact that everything he said was the truth. He wasn't the kind of person that would exaggerate or bend the story. And he had no need to... In his case, Truth WAS stranger than fiction.
I never knew that Theo Struhl brought Glenn into the emergency room as a child, but can certainly believe it. For god sake, the man literally WATER SKIIED to work every morning from his home on Palm Island!
That wasn't exactly conventional either...
Read
November 16, 2022Glenn Wollman Provides an incredibly easy-to-understand and compelling Journal of Human Health from every aspect of the whole person. Body, Mind, Heart, and Spirit! A brilliant yet empathetic approach to distilling His massive experience as an Emergency Room Chief down to his personal health guide to Thousands of individual encounters as a Personal Health Guide.
November 30, 2022
Engaging, practical and funny. Dr. Wollman's profound knowledge of the human body and the human experience is demonstrated throughout this book. Look no further if you want a practical resource that fosters self-advocacy and self-care within the healthcare/wellness industrial complex.
December 5, 2022
An unexpected perspective from an MD
As a martial artist, I appreciate the sometimes complex cultures of other countries. Being an American living in Los Angeles, I have the opportunity to be exposed to the world’s belief systems. Dr. Wollman to whom I had the honor of knowing personally, took full advantage of this opportunity as well and it’s refreshing to read his words.
Not all MDs think alike and it’s refreshing to know that.
His knowledge of modern medicine sent him exploring other healing methods when he experienced his physical disabilities. That says a lot about... a lot.
I also enjoyed his perspectives on what he says are the 6 aspects of optimal health.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in finding his/her way to better existence. In my case it was a health condition. It changed my life, it might change yours, for the better.
As a martial artist, I appreciate the sometimes complex cultures of other countries. Being an American living in Los Angeles, I have the opportunity to be exposed to the world’s belief systems. Dr. Wollman to whom I had the honor of knowing personally, took full advantage of this opportunity as well and it’s refreshing to read his words.
Not all MDs think alike and it’s refreshing to know that.
His knowledge of modern medicine sent him exploring other healing methods when he experienced his physical disabilities. That says a lot about... a lot.
I also enjoyed his perspectives on what he says are the 6 aspects of optimal health.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in finding his/her way to better existence. In my case it was a health condition. It changed my life, it might change yours, for the better.
October 29, 2022
Glenn takes you on a journey through what he often calls "The Magical Medical Tour". He goes inside the doctors bag revealing tips, tricks and practical ideas you can put to use in your life immediately, and pulls back the curtain to share real stories with a behind the scene look at what goes on in the ED/ER (Emergency Department or Emergency Room).
From simple breathing techniques to his Six Aspects of Optimal Health, audiences of all ages will find something to enjoy in this work. It also makes for great gift for a friend or loved one that might be headed towards some hard medical decisions. As a Medical Guide, Glenn's approach to healing knows no boundaries.
From simple breathing techniques to his Six Aspects of Optimal Health, audiences of all ages will find something to enjoy in this work. It also makes for great gift for a friend or loved one that might be headed towards some hard medical decisions. As a Medical Guide, Glenn's approach to healing knows no boundaries.
November 22, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, an amazingly practical guide to help me take control of my path toward health.
Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2022
Have you ever wanted to “pick the brain” of a world-class emergency room doctor in order to find out the best path you can take toward better health?
Well, THE PATH OF BEST EXISTENCE is the next best thing.
Dr. Glenn Wollman’s guide makes the extremely complex interactions going on in our bodies very easy to understand for us lay-people. I never truly understood what our cells are doing, but his explanation of the myriad of cells, and why they are so important to our health, made me think twice about what I’m eating.
One problem with many health guides is that too much medical jargon can turn off the average reader, while not enough explanation of foundational medical knowledge makes a book unpractical. Authors Wollman and Davis do a wonderful job of walking this very tricky tightrope.
Oh, and the amazing behind-the-scenes stories of emergency room cases made me feel like I was peering behind the curtain of a real ER. I looked forward to each story with great anticipation. I truly felt the drama, and sometimes humor, of each situation.
The Rolex watch story was unreal!
Finally, I have often used the Wollman Meta4 Breathing Technique to de-stress. This is just one of the practical gems I am incorporating into my path.
You will not regret reading this book!
Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2022
Have you ever wanted to “pick the brain” of a world-class emergency room doctor in order to find out the best path you can take toward better health?
Well, THE PATH OF BEST EXISTENCE is the next best thing.
Dr. Glenn Wollman’s guide makes the extremely complex interactions going on in our bodies very easy to understand for us lay-people. I never truly understood what our cells are doing, but his explanation of the myriad of cells, and why they are so important to our health, made me think twice about what I’m eating.
One problem with many health guides is that too much medical jargon can turn off the average reader, while not enough explanation of foundational medical knowledge makes a book unpractical. Authors Wollman and Davis do a wonderful job of walking this very tricky tightrope.
Oh, and the amazing behind-the-scenes stories of emergency room cases made me feel like I was peering behind the curtain of a real ER. I looked forward to each story with great anticipation. I truly felt the drama, and sometimes humor, of each situation.
The Rolex watch story was unreal!
Finally, I have often used the Wollman Meta4 Breathing Technique to de-stress. This is just one of the practical gems I am incorporating into my path.
You will not regret reading this book!
February 4, 2023
Your Path of Best Existence by Glenn Wollman, M.D., is an excellent guide to wellness from the broad perspective of a Western-trained MD who is also a lifelong Buddhist practitioner. Dr. Wollman is a University of Miami-educated emergency room physician who was forced to give up his profession in 2003 after a life-changing automobile accident. He re-focused his efforts and channeled his longtime interests in integrative medicine to become a 'medical guide,' assisting his clients 'in making difficult medical decisions through a holistic and integrative approach.'
Various chapters deal with aspects of optimal health such as sleep, nutrition, physical activity, stress management, spirituality and patterns of behavior. The discussions include specific exercises and practices that both clarify the underlying issues and provide mechanisms for dealing with them.
The style is conversational, like taking a walk with a wise and experienced tour guide who shows you places you might not discover on your own. It is worth the trip.
Beatrice Oshika, Ph.D.
Various chapters deal with aspects of optimal health such as sleep, nutrition, physical activity, stress management, spirituality and patterns of behavior. The discussions include specific exercises and practices that both clarify the underlying issues and provide mechanisms for dealing with them.
The style is conversational, like taking a walk with a wise and experienced tour guide who shows you places you might not discover on your own. It is worth the trip.
Beatrice Oshika, Ph.D.
January 10, 2023
I received this book as part of a good reads giveaway for my review.
I wish I had this is paperback to pass along to others. Unfortunately it was a Kindle giveaway.
I have one daughter who is a nurse and who is a nurse and moving on to NP in emergency medicine so these stories are hitting home. Also I would like to note that on 10/1/22 we were involved in a horrific accident where I know that if God wasn’t with us we would not be here and we are all currently recovering and searching for our purpose. The importance of physical health mental health and spiritual health are all showing through for us in our recoveries.
I will go through this book again and continue to share passages with others. Thank you !
I wish I had this is paperback to pass along to others. Unfortunately it was a Kindle giveaway.
I have one daughter who is a nurse and who is a nurse and moving on to NP in emergency medicine so these stories are hitting home. Also I would like to note that on 10/1/22 we were involved in a horrific accident where I know that if God wasn’t with us we would not be here and we are all currently recovering and searching for our purpose. The importance of physical health mental health and spiritual health are all showing through for us in our recoveries.
I will go through this book again and continue to share passages with others. Thank you !
October 25, 2022
looking for a helpful book for life in general but this is also equally a book written to entertain with true life stories from the "pit" (emergency department) and Dr. Wollman's personal life struggles with his own physical disabilities. Even when he gives advice, he never tells you how to do anything so much opens the door to allowing you to make your own decisions and choices. He wants you to become the best you, you can be. that only happens when you make your own life decisions.
This would also be a good book for anyone in medicine or thinking of getting into medicine.
Whatever you do, read to the end!
This would also be a good book for anyone in medicine or thinking of getting into medicine.
Whatever you do, read to the end!
November 29, 2022
Glenn shared many of his personal experiences as an ER doctor, which are fascinating, informative, and at times quite humorous. On addressing health, he has an open minded approach to wellness, addressing mind, body, and spirit. Although he is experienced in Western medicine, he is also very knowledgeable about other approaches to medicine and health. He has a captivating writing style.
November 20, 2022
Wonderful, personal stories of Dr. Wollman's knowledge and experience as both a MD and a patient. How he became aware of his "Gift" early in life and carried that Gift, Mission and Responsibility throughout his life. Throughout the book he provides readers guidance for their path to optimal health.
November 25, 2022
I was fortunate to have known Glenn for over 30 years. In reading his book I was able to recollect some of the stories and events that he has shared. He was able to combine his medical knowledge with first hand knowledge of being a patient and come out being a more sympathetic doctor and person.
December 18, 2022
Everyone!! Read this book....
Glenn (I may call him by his first name after reading this book) provides such insight to make our lives better. We need these "healthpitals" all over the country....just love his sense of humor in the midst of a serious situation.
Glenn (I may call him by his first name after reading this book) provides such insight to make our lives better. We need these "healthpitals" all over the country....just love his sense of humor in the midst of a serious situation.
November 30, 2022
Entertaining and Educating!
This is a wonderful read full of insights for life. A must-read for anyone who is interested I their health (which should be everyone!!)
This is a wonderful read full of insights for life. A must-read for anyone who is interested I their health (which should be everyone!!)
January 19, 2023
This is an outstanding realistic guide to how medicine works and how you can best guide yourself to be the best you can be.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews