Illness and death are unavoidable concomitants of the human condition, but we blunt that, talk about it in the abstract, or boil it down to sterile “issues”.  I want to compel people to reflect on the more humane and interpersonal aspects of medicine in a time when money, politics and technology seem to dominate the discussion.  I would also like to encourage those involved in caring for the sick to open themselves as widely as possible to the totality of the experience – to see and feel, to grieve and lament, to laugh and celebrate, be repulsed or attracted – whatever the context determines.  To me, experiencing medicine with this degree of intensity, good and bad, has made the work seem worthwhile.

Most of what I post on Will and Reason are true medical stories related to my own practice, and are designated as such (Narrative). Occasionally; however, I will post a fictional piece that I have written related to what I have learned from my patients, my practice, and other experiences in health care (Fiction), and from time to time – a personal commentary (Editorial).

Thanks for reading.

The most formidable weapon against errors of every kind is reason. – Thomas Paine

Reason has always existed, but not always in a reasonable form. – Karl Marx