Caring for the Country: Family Doctors in Small Rural Towns / Edition 1

by Howard K. Rabinowitz

Overview

This distinct book profiles ten graduates from the Physician Shortage Area Program (PSAP) of Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, who are now practicing family medicine in small rural towns. Author Howard K. Rabinowitz, MD, Director of the PSAP, invites pre-med undergraduates, medical students, residents, and family physicians to read the compelling stories of these doctors, who enjoy rich and fulfilling relationships with their patients and their communities. Providing important insights for those interested in addressing the rural physician shortage, and an excellent resource for pre-med and medical school advisors, the text brings into focus the true calling of medicine—making a difference by helping others. The book opens by discussing the impact of the PSAP, one of the nation’s most successful programs in increasing the supply of rural physicians. In-depth profiles reveal the everyday reality of practicing family medicine in small towns through poignant stories and candid dialogue. They cover the spectrum of social and professional issues that rural family doctors face, addressing topics such as the scope of rural family practice, the roles of medical schools and hospital systems, health care policy, rural obstetrics, and telemedicine. The concluding chapter summarizes the professional and personal lessons learned and outlines the future of the field. Anyone with an interest in the unique rewards and challenges of rural medicine will enjoy this enlightening read.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780387209784
Publisher:	Springer New York
Publication date:	05/26/2004
Edition description:	2004
Pages:	262
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.03(d)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction.- 2. Brockway, Pennsylvania.- 3. Nanty Glo, Pennsylvania.- 4. Ovid, New York.- 5. Boswell, Pennsylvania.- 6. Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania.- 7. Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.- 8. Lock Haven, Pennsylvania.- 9. Morehead City, North Carolina.- 10. Bedford, Pennsylvania.- 11. Corry, Pennsylvania.- 12. Caring for the Country.- Epilogue.- References.

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Donald R. Frey, MD (Creighton University Medical Center)
Description: This unique book describes the multiple facets of life as a rural family doctor through the stories of 10 graduates of the Jefferson Medical College's program to train and place physicians in underserved rural areas.
Purpose: The book tells the stories of how real individuals have worked to meet the healthcare needs of an often ignored segment of our population. With each passing year, the needs of rural America continue to get shuffled to the back of the healthcare deck, as high-tech breakthroughs grab the headlines. This work rightfully refocuses our attention on what medicine is all about.
Audience: This work will be enjoyed by all readers. Physicians will find it inspiring, and the public will learn of the unique problems faced by rural physicians. The author is a distinguished family medicine educator who has been intimately involved with the program that developed the physicians described in the stories.
Features: Each chapter describes the backgrounds, motivations, and practice lives of a rural physician practicing in the rural east. The men and women represent many backgrounds and practice styles. What they all share is a love for rural America, their community, and most of all, their patients.
Assessment: This is not a standard book that will teach new techniques or add clinical knowledge. It will, however, inform and inspire. I would recommend it highly to all readers, especially those physicians experiencing "burn-out" or otherwise questioning their calling to medicine. This book will set them back on the right path.

Doody's Review Service

3 Stars from Doody