Review of The Virtuous Physician

[Martyna Myszograj]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Virtuous Physician" by Elliott B. Martin, Jr..]

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4 out of 5 stars

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The Virtuous Physician is a book written by Elliott B. Martin Jr., a Director of Medical Psychiatry at Mass General Brigham and a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine. The book presents the origins and development of moral inquiry as viewed through a medical history.

The book is meticulously researched and thoughtfully structured, guiding readers through the evolution of moral inquiry in medicine. The author begins with a detailed translation and commentary on the pseudo-Hippocratic text from the second century BC, providing context and analysis that illuminate the ethical standards of ancient physicians. This section is particularly engaging, offering readers a glimpse into how early medical practitioners navigated moral dilemmas, long before the formalization of medical ethics as a field.

What sets The Virtuous Physician apart is the author’s ability to connect historical insights with present-day ethical challenges in medicine. He does not shy away from discussing complex issues such as patient autonomy, the role of technology in healthcare, and the ongoing debate over physician-assisted dying. Throughout, the author emphasizes the importance of virtue ethics - a framework that prioritizes character and moral integrity - in guiding the behavior of medical professionals today. By drawing parallels between historical and modern ethical practices, the author encourages readers to reflect on the timeless nature of virtue in the medical profession.

The author’s writing style is accessible yet scholarly, making the book suitable for a wide audience, including medical professionals, students, and anyone interested in the intersection of history, ethics, and healthcare. The book educates and challenges its readers to think critically about the ethical dimensions of their medical practice or understanding of healthcare. The author’s expertise in psychiatry further enriches the narrative, as he integrates psychological perspectives into the discussion of virtue ethics.

While The Virtuous Physician is a compelling and well-researched work, it would benefit from additional proofreading to address some inconsistencies and minor errors in the text. Considering everything mentioned, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

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The Virtuous Physician
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