SELECTED COMMENTS FROM OUR FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES
“Practicing From the Heart (In the Age of Technology),” Reza Ghadimi (Foreword by Humayun (Hank) Chaudhry, DO, MACP), ThPulse/PAPulse, LLC (2021) 264pp.
This enjoyable, self-published volume arrived in the mail on the very same day I first saw something about ChatGPT®. It took me awhile to read the collection of essays and reminisces. By the time I was done, Bard® (Google) had arrived and, as of this writing, there are a half dozen or so more on the way. As a New Jersey native, I’m a diehard fan of Bruce Springsteen, but we might have to tweak one of his lyrics to, “Is that me, baby, or just some brilliant A.I.?”
Now, I don’t think a chatbot, even on a good day, could do what Ghadimi has done. He has organized his musings (vignettes might be a better word) in 12 chapters headed by the calendar months, although the stories told are not in chronological order. He’s been a practicing physician assistant for decades, and even though he’s not a physician, his close professional association to physicians provides a unique observational perspective on where we are and, just maybe, where we’re heading. We’re all prone to parallax, and so a take from another angle can be illuminating.
Ghadimi does not rail against technology or progress, instead he readily admits to using one of the first home computers (from Radio Shack!) to write. He provides dozens of heartfelt reflections on what is central to everything we do — the simple act of caring for another person.
Some of the stories are less than a page, others are much longer. I was struck by the unique voice of each one even though the subjects are many and varied. This would be a good book to keep in your office and maybe read a bit between cases or patients.
Skip around the story selections if you’d like — short or long, each is a stand-alone piece. They’re all personal observations, steeped in the experience of a long career in patient care. Perhaps, in the end, what will separate us from purely programmable authors is our ability to contextualize. I certainly hope so.
Author’s note: No robots were used or harmed in the writing of this column.
Daniel J. Waters, DO, MA, FACOS-D, FACS – The DO [Journal of the American Osteopathic Association] - May 1, 2023
This enjoyable, self-published volume arrived in the mail on the very same day I first saw something about ChatGPT®. It took me awhile to read the collection of essays and reminisces. By the time I was done, Bard® (Google) had arrived and, as of this writing, there are a half dozen or so more on the way. As a New Jersey native, I’m a diehard fan of Bruce Springsteen, but we might have to tweak one of his lyrics to, “Is that me, baby, or just some brilliant A.I.?”
Now, I don’t think a chatbot, even on a good day, could do what Ghadimi has done. He has organized his musings (vignettes might be a better word) in 12 chapters headed by the calendar months, although the stories told are not in chronological order. He’s been a practicing physician assistant for decades, and even though he’s not a physician, his close professional association to physicians provides a unique observational perspective on where we are and, just maybe, where we’re heading. We’re all prone to parallax, and so a take from another angle can be illuminating.
Ghadimi does not rail against technology or progress, instead he readily admits to using one of the first home computers (from Radio Shack!) to write. He provides dozens of heartfelt reflections on what is central to everything we do — the simple act of caring for another person.
Some of the stories are less than a page, others are much longer. I was struck by the unique voice of each one even though the subjects are many and varied. This would be a good book to keep in your office and maybe read a bit between cases or patients.
Skip around the story selections if you’d like — short or long, each is a stand-alone piece. They’re all personal observations, steeped in the experience of a long career in patient care. Perhaps, in the end, what will separate us from purely programmable authors is our ability to contextualize. I certainly hope so.
Author’s note: No robots were used or harmed in the writing of this column.
Daniel J. Waters, DO, MA, FACOS-D, FACS – The DO [Journal of the American Osteopathic Association] - May 1, 2023
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Beautiful and so meaningful! Jay S. M.D. Professor of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine May 2023 In response to "WHAT FUTURE AWAITS" |
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I enjoy reading your articles and they bring peace and joy into my life, even dealing with the difficult topics that you cover. Ron E. MD Albuquerque, NM January 2023 In response to "A New Year Resolution" |
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So true! When we look in the mirror we need not see our reflection, but that of the rest of the world! Jay S. MD Maryland Great comments!!! Senator Steve K. MD Albuquerque, NM Love your perspective. Barbara W. Santa Fe, NM Good story. Working in "3rd" world countries sure humbled me. Joe B. Taos, NM December 2022 In response to "RECIDIVISM" |
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Thank your Reza…well said. I appreciate your gracing my Inbox from time to time. Barak W. Santa Fe, NM November 2022 In response to "A THANKSGIVING PRAYER" |
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Thank you for this, Reza! Everyone needs to read this! Jay S. M.D. Professor of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine July 2022 In response to "WHERE FORTUNE ROAMS" |
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I love receiving these precious writings. Thank you! Tish Hinojosa Internationally renowned singer and songwriter Austin, Texas May 2022 |
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So tender of a story. Thanks M.B. - Sarasota, Florida April 2022 In response to "The homeless Gypsy" |
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What a lovely and inspiring poem, Reza! Thank you! M.G. - New Mexico March 2022 In response to "All the kind People" |
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"That this world is too small to be divided And expect that all be provided" Love it. M.J. - Toronto, Canada February 2022 In response to "AGAIN?" |
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I read your book at night to go to sleep with a sense of love and caring and peace. Love it. Thank you. T.C. January 2022 |
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Thank you. This prayer is both uplifting and inspiring. Gloria M. MD November 2021 In response to "A THANKSGIVING PRAYER" |
A comment worth a thousand pictures
As a medical sociologist, I appreciate so much your interest in addressing our current problems with health disparities and inadequate health equity among our diverse populations.
You certainly have made an outstanding contribution to medical students, providers, and to all of us—right in the middle of this stressful pandemic we are all living through. There are so many touching and funny and insightful chapters—and I love your ongoing reminders of the importance of integrating useful modern technology to improve healthcare while never forgetting the central importance of compassion and connecting personally with patients—practicing from the heart, as you so elegantly put it. It is just amazing that you have practiced in so many diverse settings with people of so many languages and cultures. Those experiences clearly taught you so much about providing compassionate and excellent healthcare!
I am so impressed by your writing of this fascinating book. Bravo!
Maggie Gunter, PhD
Sr. Advisor for Population Health and Outcomes Research
SYNCRONYS
Albuquerque, NM
November 2, 2021
As a medical sociologist, I appreciate so much your interest in addressing our current problems with health disparities and inadequate health equity among our diverse populations.
You certainly have made an outstanding contribution to medical students, providers, and to all of us—right in the middle of this stressful pandemic we are all living through. There are so many touching and funny and insightful chapters—and I love your ongoing reminders of the importance of integrating useful modern technology to improve healthcare while never forgetting the central importance of compassion and connecting personally with patients—practicing from the heart, as you so elegantly put it. It is just amazing that you have practiced in so many diverse settings with people of so many languages and cultures. Those experiences clearly taught you so much about providing compassionate and excellent healthcare!
I am so impressed by your writing of this fascinating book. Bravo!
Maggie Gunter, PhD
Sr. Advisor for Population Health and Outcomes Research
SYNCRONYS
Albuquerque, NM
November 2, 2021
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A truly inspiring story.. Winston P. Pennsylvania Sept 2021 |
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Reza Ghadimi's book "Practicing from the Heart" is a Magnificent Manuscript
Dr. Hank Chaudhry President and CEO of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) June 2020 ------------ NOTE: Dr. Chaudhry has written the foreword to this book. Read his insightful foreword here. |
In Practicing from the Heart, Reza has captured the true heart of our healing profession through vignettes that are poignant and deeply moving. Reflecting on his life's calling, from working in small villages in seven countries to Manhattan, Reza has offered up a global view of the tragedy of health disparities to the heroics of compassionate and altruistic health professionals.
Reza speaks of love and politics, conflicts and the brother and sisterhood that is the cornerstone of Medicine. He paints a stark and compelling contrast of the beauty of mankind and its brutality through the eyes of a caring practitioner of the healing arts.
Every student thinking of entering the health professions should read this book.
Paul B. Roth, MD, MS, F ACEP
Chancellor, UNM Health Sciences Center
CEO, UNM Health System
July 2020
Reza speaks of love and politics, conflicts and the brother and sisterhood that is the cornerstone of Medicine. He paints a stark and compelling contrast of the beauty of mankind and its brutality through the eyes of a caring practitioner of the healing arts.
Every student thinking of entering the health professions should read this book.
Paul B. Roth, MD, MS, F ACEP
Chancellor, UNM Health Sciences Center
CEO, UNM Health System
July 2020
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I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your column! Thanks! Jane E. Arizona Sept., 2018 In response to the article; "Not So Easy Task" - 9-6-2018 |
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I love your writing style and reading about your experiences. Bita N. MD Washington April 2018 |
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I really appreciate your essays!! You should write a book, if you haven’t already! So good! Susan Y. Hawaii March 2018 |
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Thank you for the great content. This is one newsletter I always read. David G. New Mexico February 2018 |
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Just a quick note to say I enjoy reading your Newsletter. I particularly enjoyed this issue's Halloween tale. Admittedly, it was a long time ago, and admittedly, I was not trained for it specifically, but I used to run an ER myself. From that experience I gained, among many other things, some of my best war stories. Your little vignette brought some of them back, as well as all the associated emotions. Keep up the good work. Joe M. MD Virginia In response to the article; "Night of the Witches - 10-26-2017" |
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I’m a grizzled old recon & EWO guy…my reading material is mostly of the Popular Mechanics and CS Lewis genres. I can spot a real pro, though. Reading stuff is one thing. Noticing the parade of images and feelings evoked by what’s read, however, is quite another. That’s what you guys DO, isn’t it! Evoke! Cheeze, I’m 76 and just finally realizing what my 3rdgrade English teach was trying to get across. Suddenly got lot of catching up to do…and it’s your fault. (Wild Horses Jan. 2016!) David A. Ohio |
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"The further I went, the more the music changed. It seemed to wrap itself around the dunes and roll down the hills, soothing the very sand and air..." Sensing and phrasing like that, sir, is a talent. David A. In response to the article; "Resiliency - 11-9-2017" |
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Thank you. What a wonderful story. Senator Benny S. Jemez Pueblo New Mexico In response to the article "Visiting Friends" Sept. 2015 |
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Nice write-up, Reza! Thank you for sending your newsletter to us. Sheryl K. In response to the article; "Osteopathic Medical School in NM - Aug. 6 and 13-2015" |
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