MEDICINE FROM THE HEART is a skillfully-woven collection of essays written by an author who has spent more than three decades practicing medicine in rural America. Dr. Remakus uses the real-life experiences of patients and health care providers to analyze contemporary health care issues as well as age-old medical problems. In doing so, he convincingly demonstrates the value of a traditional doctor-patient relationship and its place in modern society. MEDICINE FROM THE HEART is a guided tour through contemporary medicine with stopovers at the homes of some interesting patients and health care providers. The stories are powerful, the messages insightful, and the effects as varied as the entire range of human emotion. From cover to cover, this book will make you think, feel, understand, care, and rejoice in the power of the human spirit. MEDICINE FROM THE HEART deals with such topics as: patient access to health care in America, faith as medicine, the Hippocratic Oath, physician purpose, medical families, the art of medicine, popular medical misconceptions, compassion in medicine, the history of medicine, taking care of aging and infirm patients, rural health care, Roy Rogers - the doctor, pro bono medical care, medical errors, dying with dignity, communicating with patients, physician-assisted suicide, physician shortage in America, a treatise on life, medicine at sea, physicians talking about their mistakes, house calls, the importance of screening mammography, obtaining free prescription drugs, Santa Claus's doctor, and many other timely subjects. Editorial Reviews: "MEDICINE FROM THE HEART is a reflection of medicine that captures the spirit of the doctor-patient relationship and reveals the humanity still possible in modern medicine. It should be required reading for every health care professional." - DR. KEVIN C. RILEY, clinical psychologist "I have used Dr. Remakus's book, MEDICINE FROM THE HEART, and his intelligent, compassionate, and articulate essays for my courses in 'Literature and Medicine.' They are a perfect accompaniment to the likes of Chekov, William Carlos Williams, and Robert Coles." - DR. AGNES CARDONI, author and faculty member, Marywood University"Bernard Leo Remakus has practiced internal medicine for over 30 years. He has also lectured, coached baseball, raised a family, authored novels, a screenplay and works of non-fiction. He has written countless scientific and medical articles that have been read by physicians, med students and the public. Medicine From the Heart is a book that brings together many of Dr. Remakus' articles, some written over 20 years ago. The result is a collection of stories, personal anecdotes and reflections on the state of America's health care system. His essays cover issues including smoking, home health care, faith, psychiatry, malpractice, pro bono work, managed care, the Hippocratic Oath, research and funding, reform and a day in the life of a rural doctor. Don't worry. It doesn't feel like you are reading a scientific journal. Dr. Remakus personalizes each "chapter" so that he tells the story of a person, event or important point. He shares his frustration with insurance companies, hospital billing departments, Workmen's Compensation, HMOs and Medicare. Readers who are pro-choice and advocates of end of life choices should know that Dr. Remakus' personal interpretation of the Hippocratic Oath doesn't allow him to offer these services to his patients. Even though some pieces are over 20 years old, a majority of the issues are still relevant today. The fact that many problems haven't been solved certainly says something about the state of our medical system. But it is reassuring to know that there are caring practitioners like Dr. Remakus who put patients first." PORTLAND BOOK REVIEW (Rating *****)
About the Author: BERNARD LEO REMAKUS, M.D. is a native of Wilkes-Barre, Pa. He received his B.S. degree from King's College, M.Ed. degree from East Stroudsburg State College, and M.D. degree from the Temple University School of Medicine. He completed a three-year residency in Internal Medicine at Abington Memorial Hospital which led to his certification as a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Remakus has practiced Internal Medicine in rural Northeastern Pennsylvania for 36 years. During that time, he has published four novels - Keystone, Cassidy's Solution, Mia and The Lame Duck; three non-fiction books - The Malpractice Epidemic, Medicine From The Heart and Medicine Between The Lines; and one screenplay - Mia. He has also authored more than 200 scientific articles that have been published in: The New England Journal of Medicine, the Journal of the American Medical Association, Newsweek, Medical Economics, The Archives of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine News, Consultant, Geriatrics, Modern Medicine, Medical World News, Hospital News, The American Magazine, Pride and Internal Medicine World Report. From 1991 to 2002, Dr. Remakus was the featured columnist and a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of Internal Medicine World Report. His column in that publication was one of the most widely read and longest running physician-written columns in America. When not practicing medicine or writing, Dr. Remakus serves as a professional speaker and educator. In previous years, he has served as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Temple University School of Medicine and Health Science Center of the State University of New York. He has also performed clinical drug research, worked as a medical examiner and consultant, and coached his local high school baseball team to a league championship and four post-season district playoff appearances in six seasons. The recipient of numerous awards and citations, Dr. Remakus has been named to every edition of America's Top Physicians since 2003. He is listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who in The World, and Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare.