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A Doctor's Journey: A Collection of Memoirs

Frederic Mendelsohn, M.D.
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432769390
Reviewed by Andrey Bilko for RebeccasReads (7/11)

Dr. Mendelsohn, a neurologist practicing in New York, is a creative soul. Studying musical arts during his college days, it is obvious how much importance music plays in his life. Switching from music career aspirations to medicine, Dr. Mendelsohn has kept using his creative side while practicing neurology. Reading this collection of ten short stories inspired by author’s own experiences makes it clear how lively and humanistic, Dr. Mendelsohn’s approach is to patients. His patients are not just clients, but people with personalities, which the author takes seriously and is attentive to. In today’s continuous flow of 10-15 minute doctor appointments, which seem to be so artificial and non-personal, it is refreshing to see how physicians are still doing their job with much passion and human side.

Even though the book is described as a collection of memoirs and listed as fiction (strange, it should be either one or the other, not both), it is obvious that book is mostly non-fictional with changed names and slight detail changes. If it were simply a fictional work, this book would not provoke such strong emotional feelings. Some stories are quite sad, while others are humorous. This variety correlates well with the daily experiences of the doctor, at one point – faced with death and inability to help, while at another – the joy of a miraculous recovery, moments of joy, and strong relationships with patients.

Most stories are told from the physician’s point of view, while others – from the patient’s. I suppose, the stories told from patient’s point of view is what makes this work more fictional. It is quite refreshing for the storyteller to change, keeping the reader more interested. The stories range from tragic accidents to miraculous recoveries, from “Casanova” colleague to influence of music on well-being. The last chapter, which is also the longest, discusses the effects of music on the human brain. As a musician, the physician strongly believes in music therapy, and plenty of evidence is presented to support the notion.

Overall, Dr. Mendelsohn is an entertaining storyteller. It is a pleasure to read his intriguing accounts. "A Doctor's Journey: A Collection of Memoirs" is a recommended read for anyone who enjoys health care related writings arising from under a pen of a creative physician.

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