Book Review of Gone in a Heartbeat: A Physician's Search for True Healing by Neil Spector, MD

Gone in a Heartbeat: A Physician's Search for True Healing by Neil Spector

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dr. Neil Spector, one of the nation's top oncologists, led a charmed life. He was educated at prestigious universities, trained at top medical centers, and had married the woman of his dreams. It seemed too perfect. And it was.

In 1994, it all came crashing down. He and his wife lost two unborn children. And a mysterious illness brought him to the brink of death. In his compelling memoir, "Gone in a Heartbeat," Dr. Spector describes in great detail how he was misdiagnosed and, despite being a medical insider, was often discounted by his fellow physicians.

As he recounts his own unorthodox approach to medicine and physician/patient relationships, Dr. Spector encourages readers to never surrender their power to a third party. He tells of courageous patients who served as role models, he conceded that doctors do a disservice to patients when "we treat them like statistics," and he advocates for educated patients who can make informed decisions collaboratively and not simply follow instructions.

In Dr. Spector's words: "To recognize that we are in control of our own bodies and destinies can be a powerful step toward true healing."
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Dr. Spector chronicles his at times frustrating experiences trying to find out what was causing his heart to fail. I was surprised that his doctors didn't listen to his complaints and take him more seriously considering he was a colleague. I found the book read like a novel, it kept me very interesting. He wove his own poetry in with the book and I felt they worked well with the chapters. He also provided good advice such as not to take what doctors say at face value, to listen to your gut, and to be your own advocate. I think it's a good read for those suffering from health issues and ones who are also caregivers.



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Genre: Memoir
Published: February 2015