Human Anatomy Videos

• Audible Audio Edition
• Listening Length: 13 hours and 44 minutes
• Program Type: Audiobook
• Version: Unabridged
• Publisher: Tantor Audio
• Audible.com Release Date: April 29, 2013
• Whispersync for Voice: Ready
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00BPUXPCY

"Gods Hotel" is the true story of an internal medicine physician and her experiences at Laguna Honda Hospital, a place where doctors arent constrained by the economic stressors of practicing modern medicine. Patients often stayed for months at a time, as their medical problems were addressed by looking at all facets of their being, not just lab results or x-rays. Her book describes in wonderful detail the concept of "slow medicine," where doctors and nurses write their chart notes longhand and have the time to review all aspects of their patients health, without worrying about the three patients in exam rooms still waiting to see them. Whereas current medical administrators may consider this idea archaic and unrealistic, the stories of the many patients who benefitted from this methodical, holistic approach to treating patients are truly moving and affecting.

Unfortunately, Laguna Honda eventually succumbs to the pressures of modern medicine, as "Heath Care Efficiency Experts" are hired to come in and make the place more profitable and efficient. While they help make the hospital shinier and more modern, the care of the patients suffers, and this old-fashioned, loving approach to practicing medicine finally disappears altogether. Dr. Sweet writes about these changes in a sobering tone, yet its a testament to her writing skills that the reader is always infused with hope.

This past year has been great for fans of this medical memoirs, so if you like this book Id recommend two others that would serve as great companions.

In Stitches is an immensely entertaining read about one doctors journey through medical school.

It almost always annoys me when someone who isnt a professional writer produces a great book, but Victoria Sweet has written the best non-fiction book Ive read this year and all I wanted to do when I finished reading it was to meet her and congratulate her and ask her a lot of questions.

So I did.

Something happened at the start of that conversation that made me realize why her book dazzled me --- the qualities that make her a great doctor are the same qualities that make her book so powerful, original and relevant.

She heard me. She paid attention. She made me her patient.

Before I asked my first question, I mentioned a health issue. When she returned to San Francisco, she wrote me: "Now that youve let me know you havent been feeling well, you need to make sure to let me know that/when you are feeling better and the meds are kicking in. Otherwise, I worry."

You want a doctor who has infinite time for you? Who cares --- as a person --- how you fare? Who uses not just the tools of current medicine but learns Latin so she can scour texts a thousand years old to learn the wisdom of pre-modern medicine?

For 20 years, to get that kind of doctor, you went to Laguna Honda Hospital in San Francisco.

To an almshouse --- a facility that provides medical and spiritual care to the poorest of the poor.

For free.

"Gods Hotel" --- the term comes from the Hôtel-Dieu, the French charity hospitals of the Middle Ages --- is four books in one.