The Patient Doctor: How one man's cancer diagnosis led to a quest to put the heart back into healthcare

Ben Bravery was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at twenty-eight. He was unprepared for the embarrassment and vulnerability of being a patient, the sheer number of tubes coming out of his body after surgery, and the difficulty of maintaining compassion under pressure. He wanted to become a doctor and passed the entrance exam. This memoir is an inspiring account of how he overcame the trauma of his illness to study medicine and shares what he believes student doctors, doctors, patients, and their families need to do to ensure that the medical system puts the patient at the very heart of healthcare every day.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 26 January 2023
Publisher: Hachette Australia

Ben Bravery, a scientist at the age of twenty-eight, was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer after a colonoscopy. Despite his understanding of the seriousness of his condition, he was unprepared for the emotional toll it would take on him. He faced embarrassment, vulnerability, and a lack of preparation for the treatment process. He also felt like an imposition when asking doctors about his pain and had to repeat the same information over and over again.

During eighteen long months of treatment, including aggressive chemotherapy, Ben felt scared, overwhelmed, and often alone. As he recovered, he realized that he could not return to his former career and needed a change. He wanted to become a doctor to make a difference in the healthcare system.

Ben passed the entrance exam and dove headfirst into the challenges of medical school. He faced an unrelenting timetable, terrifying ward rounds, and the difficulty of maintaining compassion under pressure. Through his experience, he learned that the medical system often puts the needs of doctors and hospitals before those of patients.

Driven by his desire to improve the healthcare system, Ben shares his story in his book, "Patient-Turned-Doctor: Overcoming the Trauma of Illness to Study Medicine." He emphasizes the importance of putting the patient at the center of healthcare and provides practical advice for students, doctors, patients, and their families to ensure that the medical system prioritizes patient-centered care.

Ben's book is honest, powerful, eye-opening, and sometimes emotional. It sheds light on the challenges faced by patients and doctors and offers a roadmap for improving the healthcare system. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of determination to make a difference in the world.

Weight: 434g
Dimension: 153 x 234 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780733647444