Good Medicine

“Good Medicine offers no easy solutions to the moral dilemmas within the practice of medicine. Instead, with the humanity of a conscientious physician, and the vulnerable realism of a patient, Philip Hébert offers the power of subtle observations and an empathic vision. This book is a testament to the real core of medicine, where amidst the technical prowess of modern tools and drugs lies a profoundly human endeavour, imbued with ethical significance, intertwined values and the potential for human beings to assist each other on their journey through this life.” —Vincent Lam, award-winning author of Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures and The Headmaster’s Wager

“Philip Hébert is the family doctor we all wish we had: curious, caring and patient. In this book he takes us to the bedside of some memorable cases and gives us an insider’s look at the challenges Canada’s physicians face. Like a good doctor, Philip is willing to probe a wound in order to heal it. With articulate prose and great humility he looks unflinchingly at his own flaws and those of our medical system. I highly recommend this book. These stories will not only touch you, but teach you how to be a better patient.” —Wanda Morris, CEO of Dying With Dignity Canada

“Dr. Hébert  recounts moving stories of patients he has encountered over his career and the often difficult choices that had to be made. As a physician and a patient, he urges kindness, compassion and an open ear when doctors deal with someone facing a life altering diagnosis. I was drawn in, asking myself: ‘What if that were my mother, or my husband? What would I do? What would they want?’ This book is as much for healthy (ordinary) Canadians as it is for physicians. Eventually their paths will cross, and how that relationship unfolds may determine the quality of someone’s final days.” —Avis Favaro, CTV National News-Medical correspondent