Full Time Doctors an Endangered Species: All Physician MDS Are Now Specialists

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 296 pages
• Published by: Tate Publishing & Enterprises December 19, 2006
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 1598866060
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1598866063
• Book Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Weighs: 12 ounces

Product Description
After a hard working career in the General Practice of Medicine, as well as a very active physical life, and a very happy marriage to a gorgeous and talented woman, author William H. Whitmore MD finds that after more than thirty-five years he was forced to retire. Full Time Doctors: An Endangered Species was written after Doctor Whitmore was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, a complication of arthritis, and the serious medical problems that develop with the diagnosis of prostate cancer. For several years and even now he cannot walk or stand, for as much as an hour, without ever increasing back pain but was able to sit before his computer with little or no pain and write the memories, experiences, beliefs, and wisdom from years of practice. Readers of every age will enjoy this great book that shares the ins and outs of the General Practice of Medicine.

Reader Reviews
Physicians and health professionals, regardless of their areas of expertise, will undoubtedly benefit from the medical experiences and opinions that Dr. William H. Whitmore portrays so effectively in his book entitled Full Time Doctors An Endangered Species. He acknowledges that before the birth of "specialists," physicians with less experience would seek help from older, wiser, and more experienced colleagues if they could not deal with a specific problem. After thirty-five years as a General Practitioner where he treated patients wholly, doing minor surgeries, delivering babies, and diagnosing health problems, the author retired due to some serious health problems. The period of time during which he and many others practiced medicine is often referred to as the "Golden Years." Although, there continues to be wonderful advances in science and medicine, this era that he refers to is over. The author reminds readers that too many doctors just "don't do windows," and instead of treating individuals in their offices for conditions that they are quite capable of handling, they often choose to refer patients to one or more specialists. Dr. Whitmore describes the changes that have progressively taken place throughout the years in regard to how and where physicians are trained and how and where patients receive medical care. With such evolution, some changes, such as the advances in technology are exciting; however, others convey a personal sense of loss. Because my doctors don't do windows, I have been referred to specialist after specialist for various health problems, and since none of these physicians truly knew my entire medical history--or me--there have been some negative results. Even though I am not a physician, I found many of the medical cases that Dr. Whitmore writes about to be fascinating. Reading how he solved medical puzzles was entertaining, educational and personally reassuring. He honestly states that he "learned" the art of practicing medicine and, just as he sought advice from more experienced physicians in his early years of practice, he was soon sharing his insight and experience with newer generations of physicians. In writing Full Time Doctors An Endangered Species, he continues to do this, offering life-saving lessons and his own unique medical experiences that need to be passed on to today's medical students. This book is a valuable resource that, in my opinion, should be required reading for students who wants the benefits of Dr. Whitmore's years of "learned expertise" before they even began the art of practicing medicine. Whether reading how the author assisted physicians in diagnosing members of his own family, participated in some rather unusual autopsies, showed examples of effective "old time" remedies, communicated with patients as he diagnosed their conditions, dealt with rare diseases and infections, described how one patient was scared to death, reminisced about former employees, shared stories of memorable recoveries as well as the emotions involved in losing patients, readers will respect this doctor and his contributions to society. He describes his relationship with his father, who was also a physician, and the wonderful life that he enjoys with his wife of fifty-five years. Not surprisingly, he continues to keep up with all the medical advances, and, although retired, maintains his license to practice medicine and surgery. When Dr. Whitmore describes his own serious illnesses, he is open and honest. I was intrigued that he admitted not having good rapport with a particular neurosurgeon and thus engaged the services of a different physician in this field. This sends an important message to all readers of this book. Don't settle when it comes to your health! This is a book that I highly recommend; within the pages, there is wit and wisdom that needs to be absorbed and utilized. As I read each chapter, I found myself wishing more and more that I could find a physician who practices medicine as Dr. Whitmore did until his retirement. But, as the title suggests, he is "an endangered species." I find this sad and also more than a little frightening. An Independent Professional Reviewer