This is the first in a series of three books from the Costa Book Award 2014 category shortlist that will feature in the Reading Room. Elizabeth is Missing was yesterday announced as the First Novel category winner. Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healey Reviewed by Andrea Capstick, Division of Dementia Studies, University of Bradford One […]
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The Anthropology of Emory and Ebola: Emory Healthcare Thinks Outside of its “Concrete Box” by Laura Jones
Two days after Halloween, I met with Dr. Bill Bornstein, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Quality Officer at Emory Healthcare. I am a cultural anthropologist who has been conducting field work at Emory University Hospital (EUH) for three years, and Dr. Bornstein and I meet monthly to discuss hospital culture, specifically that of […]
Gamal Hassan: “Stoker’s plight: Is Murderous Instinct Nature or Nurture?”
A review of the film “Stoker” USA 2013 directed by Park Chan-Wook Mental illness and its impact on individuals and families have inspired film-makers from all around the world. “Stoker” directed by the visionary film maker Park Chan-Wook (of “Old boy” fame, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oldboy_(2003_film) is a family drama with a different twist. […]
In the Shadow of Guardians: A Review of ‘Radiator’ and ‘My Old Lady’
“Radiator” screened at the London Film Festival October 2014, star rating: 4* directed by Tom Browne, due to be released in 2015 “My old lady” is currently in general release in the UK, star rating: 3*, directed by Israel Horovitz, http://cohenmedia.net/films/my-old-lady The Oxford dictionary defines the word “guardian” as ” a person who is legally […]
The Good Surgeon by Shekinah Elmore
I don’t know what to do with my life. I love surgery and I love people. It is frequently implied to me, without much subtlety, that those values are steeply at odds. “Surgery? I’m surprised! You’re so patient, you take time to explain things, and you don’t seem to get frustrated.” The resident had just met […]
The Reading Room: A review of Matilda Tristram’s ‘Probably Nothing’
Probably Nothing: A diary of not-your-average nine months Matilda Tristram Reviewed by Nicola Streeten Aged 31 and four months pregnant, Matilda Tristram was presented with an agonising dilemma following a diagnosis of stage three bowel cancer. In May 2013, The Guardian newspaper featured an interview with Matilda Tristram (Williams, 2014). It included an […]
Cassandra (Royal Opera House): A Review by Rory Conn and Chloe Bulwer
Twenty years ago the ‘National Attitudes to Mental Illness Report’ was established. This annual survey, funded by the Department of Health, was devised to monitor changes in public opinion, recognised at the time to be primarily driven by misunderstanding and stigma. On World Mental Health Day 2014, the latest in a series of encouraging figures […]
Who are we as Doctors? Why an exploration of our significance can lead to better care by Benjamin Janaway
Recently I lost a patient. A lady in her 60’s whose hand I held for months and who’s passing will stand as a turning point in my career. Having spent several months working in oncology my view of the role of a doctor has been tested time and time again. Publically observed heuristics of the […]
The Reading Room
The Bad Doctor A graphic novel by Ian Williams Reviewed by Dr Ian Fussell The Bad Doctor is the debut graphic novel by Ian Williams, himself a pretty good doctor, I reckon, by the insight and humanity shown throughout this book. It was published in June 2014 by Myriad Editions and is a […]
Tender: On Taking Ownership of Death and Dying by Catherine Oakley
Lynette Wallworth’s Tender: On taking ownership of death and dying A particular highlight in the documentary category at this year’s BFI London Film Festival was the UK premiere of Tender, which follows a community group in the Australian town of Port Kembla as it seeks to establish its own, not-for-profit, bespoke funeral service. Directed by […]