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I'm Here - Compassionate Communication in Patient Care
Modern medical technology helps patients recover faster than any other time in history. However, the human interaction between patient and care giver is still the essential foundation of healing. I'm Here is a personal narrative from the patient s perspective. Filled with practical advice, packed with humor and overflowing with appreciation, Marcus Engel encourages health care professionals to practice compassionate communications in all its forms.
127 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2010
45 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
Marcus Engel
11 books17 followersOfficial Biography
Marcus Engel is a bestselling author and speaker whose messages inspire, impact and influence audiences.
His powerful story is customized for each individual organization and always includes the basis of overcoming adversity, commitment to higher goals, honoring health care professionals and embracing the truly important aspects of life.
Marcus’ keynotes have been witnessed by tens of thousands of audience members including major Healthcare Institutions, Corporations, Faith Based Organizations and many of the country’s top rated Universities and Colleges. No matter where audience members are personally or professionally, there is something for everyone!
Marcus’ memoir, “After This…An Inspirational Journey for All the Wrong Reasons,” chronicles his amazing journey. As a college freshman, Marcus was blinded and nearly killed after being struck by a drunk driver. Through two years of rehab, over 300 hours of reconstructive facial surgery and adaptation through a multitude of life changes, Marcus remained committed to his goal of recapturing life. This unforgettable story is the basis for “The Drop,” a multi-award winning short film, and is currently in development as a feature film.
Marcus’ other books include “The Other End of the Stethoscope: 33 Insights for Excellent Patient Care,” “I’m Here: Compassionate Communication in Healthcare,” “Everyday Inspiration” and “Open” (an e- novelette written with Amy Glenn-Vega).
Institutions around the country, such as Columbia University, Clemson University, University of Central Florida, Missouri Baptist Hospital, and Wakemed Health continue to use Marcus’ books as required reading for students and health care professionals.
Marcus holds a B.S. in sociology from Missouri State University and an M.S. in Narrative Medicine from Columbia University, NYC. He lives in Orlando, Florida with his wife, Marvelyne and Seeing Eye dog, Garrett.
Marcus Engel is a bestselling author and speaker whose messages inspire, impact and influence audiences.
His powerful story is customized for each individual organization and always includes the basis of overcoming adversity, commitment to higher goals, honoring health care professionals and embracing the truly important aspects of life.
Marcus’ keynotes have been witnessed by tens of thousands of audience members including major Healthcare Institutions, Corporations, Faith Based Organizations and many of the country’s top rated Universities and Colleges. No matter where audience members are personally or professionally, there is something for everyone!
Marcus’ memoir, “After This…An Inspirational Journey for All the Wrong Reasons,” chronicles his amazing journey. As a college freshman, Marcus was blinded and nearly killed after being struck by a drunk driver. Through two years of rehab, over 300 hours of reconstructive facial surgery and adaptation through a multitude of life changes, Marcus remained committed to his goal of recapturing life. This unforgettable story is the basis for “The Drop,” a multi-award winning short film, and is currently in development as a feature film.
Marcus’ other books include “The Other End of the Stethoscope: 33 Insights for Excellent Patient Care,” “I’m Here: Compassionate Communication in Healthcare,” “Everyday Inspiration” and “Open” (an e- novelette written with Amy Glenn-Vega).
Institutions around the country, such as Columbia University, Clemson University, University of Central Florida, Missouri Baptist Hospital, and Wakemed Health continue to use Marcus’ books as required reading for students and health care professionals.
Marcus holds a B.S. in sociology from Missouri State University and an M.S. in Narrative Medicine from Columbia University, NYC. He lives in Orlando, Florida with his wife, Marvelyne and Seeing Eye dog, Garrett.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 15, 2023
I feel like I didn’t think this book was as good as I should have. I need to re-read it.
October 31, 2017
The story I’m Here by Marcus Engel is a miraculous story that has stuck with me for many years because of the role I play in the medical field as a nurse. As a teenager Marcus was involved in an accident by a drunk driver where Marcus suffered life-threatening injuries that led to him becoming blind. Marcus’ book is a story about his life as a teenager in the hospital with all these injuries, but written later on in his adult years. This gave me a great perspective to see how the patient feels in the hospital setting which makes me work harder at my job so I can make this hospital experience a better one for the patient. I enjoyed this book because it is an actual story with dialogue and a story line even though it is an autobiography. The book was also a super easy read and short that I was actually able to read it in a short amount of time. I was definitely sad that it ended so fast. I believe that Marcus has made a difference in the lives of the people who he has encountered. Marcus is a public speaker who inspires anyone he talks with. Even if you haven’t had a chance to hear him talk you can receive his emails like I do that are truly inspiring. Thank you Marcus for showing me why I become a nurse. I do it because I care!
February 9, 2025
This was great and contained a lot of good information for people entering the healthcare field. I am fairly new and I’ve already seen what a difference some of this stuff makes. Several patients I’ve seen have expressed similar feelings as the author, especially about explaining everything we’re doing in common terms, letting them know who we are and what we’re about to do for them, and just how invasive healthcare procedures make people feel. This was also very short and digestible yet extremely helpful. I love the way Marcus Engel writes, too. It’s very conversational and makes for an easy read.
November 5, 2017
I had the pleasure of seeing Marcus Engel live this past Friday. His story was so touching and it made me want to be a great nurse in the future. I purchased his book and read it immediately. He has endured a lot, but has come out of it so strong. I could only hope to be someone's Barb one day. I think every healthcare worker should read this book. It's short, but packs a punch ❤️
October 20, 2024
A series of object lessons by the author to all health care providers based on the authors personal experience interacting with providers after a major traffic accident that left him blind. The most poignant lesson is to reminded patients that “I am here” to invoke the connection of the personal touch in healing.
November 18, 2024
I had never read a book like this before, but I’m so glad that I did. It gave me so many insights into patient care than I probably wouldn’t have thought of, especially as a nursing student. I recommend that every health care professional or healthcare student read this book because it truly can change patient care for the better.
August 2, 2018
Amazing! The author is from Missouri which was icing on the cake of a perfect book for all health care professionals. Such a quick and easy read no one has an excuse not to pick it up and give it a look.
July 25, 2024
Great read! I love stories of compassion and improving patient care. It's a guidebook to truly understanding where your patients are coming from and what they are feeling. A great reminder to always walk in love.
May 23, 2018
Engel effectively and concisely brings great insights for healthcare professionals out of his own experiences as a patient. A must-read for anyone working in a hospital.
October 11, 2018
It's got some good points & re.8nders
Helps to keep healthcare members to keep patient first approach. No new I fo just put in via words of a patient.
Helps to keep healthcare members to keep patient first approach. No new I fo just put in via words of a patient.
May 14, 2019
ALL people in healthcare should read this book! It explains care from a patient's point of view in a way nothing else I have seen does. He is an amazing speaker in person as well.
July 17, 2020
Must read for health care workers
February 16, 2021
Great read on patient centered care. Should be implemented into every healthcare facility.
August 31, 2022
easy summer read (read it the night before school), made me tear up a little ngl
September 23, 2022
I read this book for school and I loved all of it. It gave me and insight on how patients feel during a difficult time. I good read if you are wanting to go into the medical field.
December 10, 2022
Amazing true life story and experiences basically having to live in the hospital after a trauma. A lot of really good information and views from a patient perspective. Worth the read!
January 27, 2023
Insightful regarding patient care and communicating effectively with positive outcomes.
February 2, 2023
I’ve been a pediatric RN for 8 years and this short book provided helpful reminders to keep the patient’s perspective in the forefront of the care I give on a regular basis.
February 14, 2023
A must read for anyone who deals with people, which is us all!
March 3, 2023
3.5 but i rounded up, it was fine and kinda sad
November 12, 2023
A balm
February 22, 2025
An immersive book detailing the importance of communication and how important it is to feel heard!
May 3, 2023
read this for school🫡
twas really interesting and i will be making sure i use this when i have patients :)
twas really interesting and i will be making sure i use this when i have patients :)
October 17, 2016
I’m Here
By: Marcus Engel
Lexile Range: 1100
Also for readers 18+
A real story changed my thoughts about they way patients felt in the hospital, or even a nurse or doctor taking care of them. I’m Here is a book written by Marcus Engel. He takes pride in his books and writes them about personal stories. I have read two of his books now and they touch me each time I read them. Even though I know what happens at the end of each book, there is still suspense on what’s going to happen next. Engel arranges speeches anywhere he can speak to a bunch of people and get his message across. Even though I am in 8th grade this book has really put confidence in my future of working in the medical field. I really like this book because it gives you personal insight to his experiences and life lessons that can be used daily. There are two different advice tips that he gives at the end of each chapter, one is reflecting on the chapter and telling his personal experiences in the medical field and the interactions with the nurse or doctor and how he felt. The other advice that is at the end of each chapter is how you can relate this to life. I don’t think that I would have liked this book if it didn’t the voice at the end of each chapter. Another thing is that the author's feelings are in the book. Such as “Get’s to take care of me? Well, good to know she doesn’t think it’s a chore” (page, 24). Even though that the author is blind his books touch me all the time. I think about the advice he gives relating it to personal life and then I use those to make my life better.
The experiences that Marcus had during his traumatic accident really impacted his healing and recovering following the tragedy. The tragic accident left Marcus blind, unable to speak at first, and requiring multiple surgeries. Without being able to talk or see, communicating with the health care professionals was very difficult. Marcus affected me multiple ways by telling his personal experiences and other people actions really affect how others can feel. For example Marcus knew that he was going to have one of his surgeries, but no one told him what time of the day it was or the day it was happening. Another example was when Marcus waited for the specialty physician to shake his hand, but the handshake never occurred. Marcus was able to discuss his pain, personal injuries, suffering, stages of healing, emotions, and patient experiences throughout the entire book. I realized that communication and patient experiences are very important, and can affect how people feel very easily.
I recommend this book is read by all healthcare professionals and individuals considering careers in healthcare to understand how actions affect the patient experience. This book was full of first hand experience of a tragedy, and each step along the healing stages. The emotions and the complete description of the incident left me feeling like I was there witnessing it happen. I think this is important for healthcare professionals to read because learning emotions and patient experiences should come straight from patients. This book was easy to read but should’ve talked more on what Marcus did after he got out of the hospital. All of a sudden the book came to an end, which was difficult because I want to know more about Marcus. I really enjoyed this book because it was a first hand experience along with touching my passion with healthcare. My favorite part of this book is when Barb comes in and cheers Marcus up when he is having a bad day. His favorite nurse is Barb, and that’s why my favorite part is when she comes in to check on him. It is truly amazing Marcus survived this accident.
By: Marcus Engel
Lexile Range: 1100
Also for readers 18+
A real story changed my thoughts about they way patients felt in the hospital, or even a nurse or doctor taking care of them. I’m Here is a book written by Marcus Engel. He takes pride in his books and writes them about personal stories. I have read two of his books now and they touch me each time I read them. Even though I know what happens at the end of each book, there is still suspense on what’s going to happen next. Engel arranges speeches anywhere he can speak to a bunch of people and get his message across. Even though I am in 8th grade this book has really put confidence in my future of working in the medical field. I really like this book because it gives you personal insight to his experiences and life lessons that can be used daily. There are two different advice tips that he gives at the end of each chapter, one is reflecting on the chapter and telling his personal experiences in the medical field and the interactions with the nurse or doctor and how he felt. The other advice that is at the end of each chapter is how you can relate this to life. I don’t think that I would have liked this book if it didn’t the voice at the end of each chapter. Another thing is that the author's feelings are in the book. Such as “Get’s to take care of me? Well, good to know she doesn’t think it’s a chore” (page, 24). Even though that the author is blind his books touch me all the time. I think about the advice he gives relating it to personal life and then I use those to make my life better.
The experiences that Marcus had during his traumatic accident really impacted his healing and recovering following the tragedy. The tragic accident left Marcus blind, unable to speak at first, and requiring multiple surgeries. Without being able to talk or see, communicating with the health care professionals was very difficult. Marcus affected me multiple ways by telling his personal experiences and other people actions really affect how others can feel. For example Marcus knew that he was going to have one of his surgeries, but no one told him what time of the day it was or the day it was happening. Another example was when Marcus waited for the specialty physician to shake his hand, but the handshake never occurred. Marcus was able to discuss his pain, personal injuries, suffering, stages of healing, emotions, and patient experiences throughout the entire book. I realized that communication and patient experiences are very important, and can affect how people feel very easily.
I recommend this book is read by all healthcare professionals and individuals considering careers in healthcare to understand how actions affect the patient experience. This book was full of first hand experience of a tragedy, and each step along the healing stages. The emotions and the complete description of the incident left me feeling like I was there witnessing it happen. I think this is important for healthcare professionals to read because learning emotions and patient experiences should come straight from patients. This book was easy to read but should’ve talked more on what Marcus did after he got out of the hospital. All of a sudden the book came to an end, which was difficult because I want to know more about Marcus. I really enjoyed this book because it was a first hand experience along with touching my passion with healthcare. My favorite part of this book is when Barb comes in and cheers Marcus up when he is having a bad day. His favorite nurse is Barb, and that’s why my favorite part is when she comes in to check on him. It is truly amazing Marcus survived this accident.
August 22, 2025
As a nursing student, I had to read this book for a class and I am honestly so so glad that I did. It really shows what it means to be a patient, to have your whole life turned around in a matter of moments, to not be able to take care of yourself and relying on others to do it for you. The process of healing physically and emotionally, takes time and there are many phases that, as nurses and medical professionals, we need to be aware of.
Dealing with anger, frustration, and hopelessness, is something I am prepared to help my patients deal with. Understanding the POV of Marcus and his incredibly unfortunate accident and the ensuing mayhem that follows really shows how the actions of medical professionals truly matter.
Read this book if you're in the medical field. It's truly a mind altering read in the best way.
Dealing with anger, frustration, and hopelessness, is something I am prepared to help my patients deal with. Understanding the POV of Marcus and his incredibly unfortunate accident and the ensuing mayhem that follows really shows how the actions of medical professionals truly matter.
Read this book if you're in the medical field. It's truly a mind altering read in the best way.
March 28, 2013
This was a great reminder for me. Working in healthcare is stressful but we have to take the time out with every patient by making them feel as if they are your only one. It was so easy to put myself in the role of the nurse and look at the behind the scenes tasks to be had and be the nurse/aide who was rushing Marcus to the commode because I have been there and unfortunately I have done it. I would highly recommend this book :)
December 21, 2020
This is an awesome book that all healthcare professionals should read. It's told from the point of view of a patient who is hospitalized after a car crash and is all incredibly applicable advice.
March 27, 2019
This book was very insightful of the responsibilities that a decent health care provider should practice like. It's very unfortunate that the Current health care system doesn't follow the health care standards and laws that they teach in schools, but nonetheless, this book provided me hope that it will be a possibility that the legal standards of health care will be a reality someday.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews