What Doctors Feel

How Emotions Affect the Practice of Medicine

By: Danielle Ofri MD

Narrated by: Andi Arndt

“A fascinating journey into the heart and mind of a physician” that explores the doctor-patient relationship, the flaws in our health care system, and how doctors’ emotions impact medical care (Boston Globe)

While much has been written about the minds and methods of the medical professionals who save our lives, precious little has been said about their emotions. Physicians are assumed to be objective, rational beings, easily able to detach as they guide patients and families through some of life’s most challenging moments. But understanding doctors’ emotional responses to the life-and-death dramas of everyday practice can make all the difference on giving and getting the best medical care.

Digging deep into the lives of doctors, Dr. Danielle Ofri examines the daunting range of emotions—shame, anger, empathy, frustration, hope, pride, occasionally despair, and sometimes even love—that permeate the contemporary doctor-patient connection. Drawing on scientific studies, including some surprising research, Dr. Ofri offers up an unflinching look at the impact of emotions on health care.

Dr. Ofri takes us into the swirling heart of patient care, telling stories of caregivers caught up and occasionally torn down by the whirlwind life of doctoring. She admits to the humiliation of an error that nearly killed one of her patients. She mourns when a beloved patient is denied a heart transplant. She tells the riveting stories of an intern traumatized when she is forced to let a newborn die in her arms, and of a doctor whose daily glass of wine to handle the frustrations of the ER escalates into a destructive addiction. Ofri also reveals that doctors cope through gallows humor, find hope in impossible situations, and surrender to ecstatic happiness when they triumph over illness.

Critic reviews

“Taut, vivid prose . . . She writes for a lay audience with a practiced hand.”
—New York Times

“In her lucid and passionate explanations of the important role that emotions play in the practice of medicine and in healing and health, Danielle Ofri tells stories of great importance to both doctors and patients.”
—Perri Klass, author of Treatment Kind and Fair

“An invaluable guide for doctors and patients.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Insightful and invigorating…makes the case that it’s better for patients if a physician’s emotional compass-needle points in a positive direction.”
—Booklist, starred review

“A fascinating journey into the heart and mind of a physician struggling to do the best for her patients while navigating an imperfect health care system.”
—Boston Globe

“Ofri gives voice and color to the heartbreak, stress, and joy that attends medical practice.”
—Library Journal

“A fabulous read.”
—Greater Good

“Essential reading in Medical HumanitiesShe weaves together personal anecdotes and medical learning in a compelling account of her medical decisions and reflections. Highly recommended.”
—Sara van den Berg, Professor of English, Saint Louis University

“Dr. Ofri's real-life experiences can be incorporated into a variety of health science curricula bringing course theory together with practical application. Readers gain critical insight into why applying theory in the practice of medicine requires empathy for the physicians.”
—Christine Whittrock, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Temple University

“Part of medical education now is not only core competencies from a factual standpoint but also a social standpoint. Dr. Ofri has a way of communicating those lessons in a clear a cogent and very personal fashion.”
—Beth Dollinger M.D., Arnot Ogden Medical Center

“The perfect book for my teaching on the subject of lack of empathy in medical school students.”
—James Asa Shield, Jr., MD, Professor, Chairman, Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University

N/A

Could have done without the whole Julia saga. I think it distracted from her research and main storyline.

Wish I had Doctors who listen to me like this. Every Doctor should read this.

I loved this book wish I had Doctors who listen to me like this. Every Doctor should read this.

Should be required reading.

This is an excellent book with an excellent look into a part of medicine that is not spoken about enough. Medical students and hospital management/administrators should be required to read it. Patients would also benefit. Understanding that doctors are human is critical if we are to have any chance of avoiding massive burnout today.

I think the author has excellent points! Now to pass it on to Veterinarians.

I agree with the doctor’s point of view! It would be so helpful if They heard us, really heard us. Veterinarians are however the absolute WORST! They know it all and we the owners know nothing despite living with the animal. They need some education in this whelm.

Book resonates with outpatient internist

I have found myself identifying with this book as an outpatient internist and teaching in an internal medicine residency. It was our
First book for our book club we started with our residents. Thank you