Reviewed by Juan Lynch for Readers’ Favorite
Reflections on Being a Physician by Robert G. Hooper, M.D., is a thought-provoking read. Although Dr. Hooper has well over several decades of work experience as a medical doctor, he does not consider himself to have always been a physician throughout his career. After asking himself and others about the characteristics of the best physician, he realizes that, depending on their position in life, everyone will respond differently. He also acknowledges that these words have formal definitions that can be found in dictionaries. However, he sees these definitions as insufficient. He expounds on his thoughts on the medical field through this series of essays. The essays are categorized into four sections, namely: the practice of medicine, the business of medicine, defining a physician, and a call for recommitment.
As a healthcare administration major, I think that Reflections on Being a Physician by Robert G. Hooper, M.D., is a worthwhile read for everyone, especially those in the medical field. I agree with Dr. Hooper’s assertion that a medical doctor is not a physician until they have a patient-centered mindset. I was also impressed with his take on the American healthcare system and the importance of being aware and thoughtful of the changes in the business of medicine. Dr. Hooper does a great job of explaining complex topics in simple terms. The tone of every essay is conversational. His frequent use of questions helped to keep me engaged. Additionally, it inspired me to think more critically and reflect on some of my other areas of interest. I highly recommend Reflections on Being a Physician by Robert G. Hooper, M.D., to everyone.