Perspective

The author had, even prior to the accident that gave rise to the writing of the book, an interest in the broader scope of the patient experience, of the emotional and spiritual aspects of healing that extend beyond those of the strictly physical. His reason for writing the book is an extension of this interest, a perspective connected to a trio of realizations resulting from his accident and its treatment.

The first realization is that his so-called "expertise" is limited, that he understands a great deal about certain aspects of the healing process but doesn't fully understand enough. The second realization, triggered by the first realization and also by experience, is that the expertise of other physicians is also limited, as is possibly the expertise of the profession in general. The third realization is that the nature and function of the healing process seems to go far deeper...