The Patient in Room Nine Says He's God

by Louis M. Profeta

A young Jewish doctor prays to a coma patient's Blessed Mother on Christmas Eve, only to have the woman suddenly awakened; there is the voice that tells a too-busy ER doctor to stop a patient walking out, discovering an embolus that would have killed him. The late-night passing of a beloved aunt summons a childhood bully who shows up minutes later, after twenty-five years, to be forgiven and to heal a broken doctor. This ER doctor finds God's opposite in: a battered child's bruises covered over by make-up, a dying patient whose son finally shows up at the end to reclaim the man's high-top sneakers, the rich or celebrity patients loaded with prescription drugs from doctor friends who end up addicted. But, his real outrage is directed at our cavalier treatment of the elderly, If you put a G-tube in your 80-year-old mother with Alzheimer's because she's no longer eating, you will probably have a fast track to hell.

Genres: Nonfiction, Medicine, Memoir, Biography, Medical, Science

191 pages, Paperback

First published February 24, 2008

Reviews

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Profeta is an emergency room doctor. He sees life at its most frantic. But he has managed, through the years, to see the spiritual and moral issues in medicine. The short chapters tell us about his patients, his co-workers, his friends and family. He can come across as arrogant, but he admits when he’s wrong. I got this book thinking it would be a series of patient cases, a la Oliver Sacks. It’s not- or, at least, that’s not *quite* what it is. The cases aren’t as odd as ones a neuro doctor gets, so there aren’t as many medical details. Profeta leans toward the ethical and spiritual issues in the cases, and includes a lot of personal history and spiritual ponderings. Four stars.

[Angela Kovach · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a nurse, I understood the gravity of some of these stories and what it means to experience them. This is written by a local Indy MD so that was cool too! I would recommend- especially to my nursing friends :)

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a rambling book of experiences by a Jewish ER doctor from Indianapolis, currently practicing at St. Vincent in Carmel! Some chapters are moving, some astonishing, and some are Profeta's chance to get up on a soap box about parenting, care of the elderly, depression, or the perception of doctors in general. (The preachy chapters were my least favorite) While I agreed with him on some of his topics, there were a couple of things that I found irritating, especially his dismissal of women's complaints. There is scientific evidence that shows doctors don't listen to women when they claim they are in pain, and it was frustrating to see Profeta buying into the same assumptions that leads to women getting poor healthcare! In some instances he came across as pretty arrogant, but I imagine it's hard not to do so when you literally have people's lives in your hands. I did like his reflections on God and the way he's seen Him in the things he's experienced. Some were downright eerie.

It sounds as if Profeta is an excellent doctor, and just a moderate writer. The editing could have been better in some places, but overall it's an enjoyable read. I'd still recommend it.

This is the article he wrote that put his book on the radar:
"I'll Look at Your Facebook Profile Before I Tell Your Mother You're Dead"

More of his articles can be read here.
There are some good ones. Important ones.

The funniest observation:
"I bet I have done more than 2,000 rectal exams in the past 15 years. Considering the fact that my index finger is only four inches long, I have performed a digital exam on more than 220 yards of rectum."

[Sue Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. . .I really did. Afterall, this is my favorite genre. Few issues: 1. Editing: the number of spelling errors was quite distracting. I can usually move past one or two, but there were at least a half dozen throughout the book. 2. Many of the stories or vignettes had so much potential, but were just not fully developed. 3. The author came off as quite arrogant. This is a touchy area because on one hand, he fully acknowledged the arrogance of doctors. On the other hand, he often reflected on his religion, personal journey and traditional values, but kept describing himself in many scenarios really being a bit of a jerk. It was hard to reconcile those two personas. Some stories reflected some wisdom and insight, while others demonstrated a crass and uncaring side that was quite unsavory. Overall disappointed.

[Mandy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sigh. Someone once told Louis Profeta that he should write a book and he took them seriously. I enjoyed some of the stories of the patients he dealt with but otherwise Dr Profeta comes across as a right royal douche. He's condescending and patronising and so convinced he is the second coming that I would hate to get him as a doctor.

Even though, according to him, he's the best ER doctor there is.

Don't bother. Save yourself.

[Lisa Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Louis Profeta writes a significant memoir of the ordinary person in sometimes extraordinary circumstances, such as his own of serving as an emergency room doctor. Doctors are often accused of playing God, and Profeta has opportunities to do just that; however, he is a man who wishes his work to be in service to God. He makes this clear throughout the memoir not by preaching about it but by allowing his encounters with others tell the story. While not many of us are faced in our jobs with life and death diagnoses, he reminds us that we can all be heroes, teachers, servants of God and humans, and we can strive every day to live a simple life full of love for others. This would-be Olympian ended up having to settle for being a doctor. He talks us through grade school bullies, life-changing injuries, and how the choices we make affect the lives of those around us each and every day. I am glad Profeta shared with us the emotional struggles and rewards of being a doctor who is all too human.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d do 3.5 stars if I could. I think there were some great stories and life experience. As humans we are multi-faceted and the author is no different. I appreciate the mostly positive themes of humanity that emerge from working with not so positive situations and patients. There were several grammatical errors which was distracting. I also did not feel that all of the short stories had adequate structure and information or that the title was relevant to the story. Regardless, I did enjoy the stories as well as the author’s personal experiences with medical anomalies, impactful humans, and life lessons that hopefully contribute to a meaningful life regardless of one’s profession.

[Lizzie Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love everything about this book. I love the stories, the writing, the deep appreciation to the dignity of human life, the reverence. It’s a book that makes you think. Written by a Jewish MD, it’s clear his faith governs all aspects of his life and his practice. His mindset for viewing his patients as people is inspiring. Plus I somehow got a signed copy so I have to fawn.

Strongly recommend to all, especially non-medical people

[Christen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book starts out seeming to say that the author is going to show the existence of God based on his experiences. Chapters 1-11 and maybe 15 are on that topic. Then, it seems like he ran out of material and wrote 100 pages about how smart he is. 4 stars for chapters 1-11 and 15 and 2 stars for the remaining material. Averaged to 3.

[Lindsay Shiffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read some of the reviews on this book while actually reading the book. Sure there are some typos but overall I think this book makes you look at life a little differently. I recommend the book to anyone learning to let go of things, learn how to forgive, or appreciate life and spiritual relationship more deeply.

[Heidi Dugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much better than expected…

…and I expected a lot. I thought it would be a myriad of ER stories, and those were there. What I didn’t expect was the raw and spiritual humanity of this author. This book has changed me. I highly recommend. Than you, Dr. Profeta, for sharing your very personal stories. They are a sea of gold!

[Ruth Blomster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming, honest and interesting stories about an ER Dr who brings us his patients and their stories that make the Dr and us readers consider the miracles that really do happen in life. I loved this book!

[Nancy Bott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book

Incredible book with some incredible stories from a perspective you won’t get many other places. Some chapters made me laugh out loud and some made me cry. Great read, one I high recommend.

[Carol Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you...

seems so trite. What did I love about this book? Everything! I wish that we were all in room Nine and you were our attending physician. Thank you for reintroducing me and reminding me of who's REALLY in charge.

[Wendy Gray · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the first part of this book but then he just got preachy and judgmental it was a disappointment

[Pattie Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfectly sums up how I feel about health care and the quality (and demise) of life

[Visa Lattimore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book

Great and insightful. Makes you slow down and think about the small things. Grab hit drink and. Snack add enjoy the ride

[Lindsay Sciarra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this quick read. He has wonderful dry humor and really liked his series of short stories and experiences. I’m thankful he shared all his wit and work with us!

[Donna Ubeda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A soulful insight to a Doctors personal journey with human spirit and medicine.

[Amanda Renfroe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A genuine, heartfelt look into some of the best stories of an ER doctor. Anyone with an interest in medicine will enjoy this book.

[Christine Pellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. A great insight into life as a doctor.

[Melissa Anne Constant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book this is my third time reading

Amazing read!!! You feel good and get a warm feeling and gives words of wisdom to think about when looking at life.

[Mary Kathryn L-L · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little disjointed because it’s written as a series of personal stories that are loosely connected but it’s a great read and very thought provoking. Definitely would recommend.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kind of a pat on the back by the doctor. Its like he wants you to think how amazing he is. Some cool stories.

[Michael & Melissa Crawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing read, especially in these times

Loved the anecdotes and the simplicity. Wish there were more chapters to enjoy. God is shown in plain view, if you look hard enough.

[Maile Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely, well written book. The observations of this ER doctor is sprinkled with compassion, humor and God. I loved it!

[Erin McAndrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Great book! Interesting short stories about his life as an ER physician...made me laugh and cry. Sounds like he would be an excellent MD, father and husband.

[Cathy Bain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the humor, "God Moments" and compassionate patient care described.

[barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Profeta, can you please move to my area, so you can teach doctors what it really means to be a doctor. An outstanding book!

[Shonna Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for healthcare providers and most significantly emergency room personnel.