Review of The Virtuous Physician

[Lukhanyo Sihawu]

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

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Elliott B. Martin, Jr.'s The Virtuous Physician: A Brief History of Moral Inquiry from Hippocrates to COVID-19 is an intriguing examination of medical ethics that blends traditional knowledge with contemporary issues. After criticizing the superficial perspective given to medical professionals, the author describes their training in ancient languages, philosophy, and history.

The author also addressed the development of medical ethics through Greek rationalism and the etymology of medical nomenclature. To emphasize integrity and purpose in times of adversity, the author even drew parallels between Thucydides' accounts of the COVID-19 outbreak and the Athens plague.

The text contains a wealth of knowledge and insight. It is admirable how the author has skillfully woven historical texts with contemporary events. It can be argued that obscure concepts have been conveyed in a language that is simple to understand since the writing style is clear and easy for one to comprehend. When translating historical texts, special caution is taken to preserve their unique significance while making them accessible to readers in the modern era. Although it is written in an engaging manner, the book is thoroughly researched, instructional, and informative.

There's nothing I dislike about this book. The author did a fantastic job of simplifying and enlivening difficult concepts. Critiquing contemporary medical procedures is necessary and stimulating, and the historical research is thorough and well-documented. The book is enjoyable to read because of its fluency and the simplicity of the content. Therefore, taken as a whole, this is a helpful contribution to the present medical ethics topic.

The book is flawlessly edited and free of errors. It is an important read for everyone interested in medical history and ethics; therefore, I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars. The author's ability to make difficult concepts understandable and relatable is one of its true achievements. In a nutshell, it is a delightful read and a significant addition to the conversation of medical ethics.

******
The Virtuous Physician
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon