Reviewed by Jenny Alexander for Readers’ Favorite
Reflections on Being a Physician by Robert G. Hooper, M.D, is aptly named, for that is exactly what this book is – a thoughtful reflection based on one man’s many years of experience in the medical field. It’s broken down into three distinct sections. Each section contains essays about related subjects. For example, the first contains essays on the practice of medicine with titles such as “Learning the Ropes,” “Responsibilities,” and “Success.” The second contains essays on the American medical system, with titles such as “Medicine as a Business” and “A Line in the Sand.” The third focuses on defining a physician, with essay titles such as “A Doctor’s Oath,” “The Hippocratic Oath,” and “Medical Societies, Associations, and Colleges.” The book concludes with a personal call while also containing current oaths common to doctors and other medical professionals.
I’ve never read a book like Reflections on Being a Physician before and was pleased to do so. Many in the medical field will be able to relate to Robert G. Hooper’s words. At the same time, this book is written in a way that almost anyone will be able to understand, even if they’ve never worked in the medical field. I enjoyed the book and found it easy to read. As I read, I came to highly respect the author’s integrity as a physician, which was clearly portrayed throughout the pages. His bravery in sharing some of his thoughts in the section about the American medical system was inspiring. I highly recommend Reflections on Being a Physician to readers who want insight into the life and career of a physician. A thoughtful, intelligent, and interesting book.