These Vital Signs: A Doctor's Notes on Life and Loss in Tweets

These Vital Signs is a collection of essays by Sayed Tabatabai, a nephrologist, that explores the emotional tension between life and death, wellness and disease, uncertainty and hope, and the special relationship between patients and their doctor. The essays are based on a series of poems that Tabatabai posted on Twitter during the Covid pandemic, which went viral.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 06 July 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

In the realm of medicine, every patient comes with a unique story, a narrative that unfolds like a chapter in a book. "Once upon a time, I was well, and then..." These patient tales serve as the beating heart of our profession, driving us to communicate, understand, empathize, and perhaps find solace in healing.

These Vital Signs is a poignant collection of essays, each one deeply personal and inspired by the experiences of nephrologist Sayed Tabatabai. These essays were originally crafted as a series of poems that Tabatabai posted on Twitter during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and they quickly gained widespread popularity. Each short work in this collection offers a poignant glimpse into the ever-evolving field of medicine and the special bond that forms between patients and their doctors.

Tabatabai's writing is masterful in its ability to evoke the emotional tension between life and death, wellness and disease, uncertainty and hope. Through his unique and unforgettable lens, he beautifully captures the essence of the human experience, particularly in the context of illness, dying, grief, and joy. These Vital Signs resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds, as its themes are universal in their scope.

The essays in this collection tell stories both remarkable and utterly ordinary of a doctor and the patients who have shaped him. Tabatabai's writing is filled with empathy, compassion, and a deep understanding of the human condition. He weaves together the narratives of his patients with his own experiences, creating a tapestry of stories that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.

In conclusion, These Vital Signs is a must-read for anyone who has ever been curious about the world of medicine or the profound connections that can be formed between patients and their doctors. Tabatabai's writing is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of medicine to touch the lives of those it serves.

Weight: 276g
Dimension: 147 x 218 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780063291379