The Nature of Suffering and the Goals of Medicine

The first edition is already a classic in its exploration of the nature of suffering. "Bodies do not suffer, only persons suffer." is a central concept. The text examines the doctor patient relationship, what diseases are, how understandings of disease have changed over time, how the unique and particular nature of the sick person influences all diseases and how they are cared for. How we know who a person is. Why medicine is changing its focus from the disease to the sick or well person. The new edition has three new chapters that focus on the mind-body problem, social contribution to sickness and dying, and how pain and other symptoms are inevitably personalized. And how suffering arises from the sickness and its personalization. It is a well-written,rich and exciting book.

The author identifies the effects of chronic and acute illness on each integral part of the sufferer, and describes personal attributes/approaches of patients that enhance their ability to live with their condition. This book is an inspiring insight into strategies for finding new meaning in life after loss of mobility and during years of living with chronic pain. I refer to it each time my condition has worsened my outlook; it never fails to help me find new strength.I would recommend it to doctors, patients, and counsellors.