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Singular Intimacies: Becoming a Doctor at Bellevue

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Singular Intimacies: Becoming a Doctor at Bellevue

by Danielle Ofri

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1357 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	260 pages

In the heart of Manhattan, on the bustling East Side, there stands a sprawling hospital complex that has become an iconic symbol of medicine in America. It is Bellevue Hospital, one of the oldest and busiest hospitals in the world. For more than 300 years, Bellevue has been a place of healing, a refuge for the sick and injured, and a training ground for generations of doctors.

In her new book, Singular Intimacies: Becoming a Doctor at Bellevue, Julie Salamon takes us inside this extraordinary institution, offering a personal and moving account of a doctor's experiences working in one of the most demanding and rewarding environments in medicine. Salamon, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, spent a year embedded at Bellevue, following the lives of several doctors as they navigated the complex and often contradictory emotions that come with caring for patients from all walks of life.

Salamon's book is a powerful reminder of the human side of medicine. She writes about doctors who are forced to make life-and-death decisions on a daily basis, who witness the best and worst of humanity, and who must find a way to balance their own needs with the needs of their patients. She also writes about the patients themselves, whose stories are often heartbreaking, inspiring, and sometimes both.

One of the most memorable patients in the book is a young woman named Maria, who is brought to Bellevue after being brutally attacked. Maria is a victim of domestic violence, and she is struggling to come to terms with what has happened to her. Salamon follows Maria's journey as she undergoes medical treatment and therapy, and she witnesses the strength and resilience that Maria shows in the face of adversity.

Another patient featured in the book is a man named Mr. Jones, who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Mr. Jones is a former professor, and he is struggling to maintain his independence and dignity as his memory fades. Salamon follows Mr. Jones and his family as they navigate the challenges of Alzheimer's disease, and she explores the difficult questions that arise about end-of-life care.

Through the stories of her patients, Salamon shines a light on the human condition. She explores the ways in which we cope with illness and loss, the importance of human connection, and the power of hope. Singular Intimacies is a must-read for anyone interested in medicine, healthcare, or the human experience.

About the Author

Julie Salamon is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and the author of several books, including The Devil's Candy: The Bonfire of the Vanities Goes Hollywood and Wendy and Lucy: A Portrait of a Modern Robin Hood. She has written for the New York Times, the Washington Post, and Vanity Fair, among other publications.

Interview with Julie Salamon

Q: What inspired you to write Singular Intimacies?

A: I've always been fascinated by the doctor-patient relationship. It's such a unique and intimate relationship, and it can be incredibly powerful. I wanted to explore that relationship in more depth, and I thought that Bellevue Hospital would be the perfect setting.

Q: What were some of the challenges of writing this book?

A: One of the biggest challenges was gaining access to the doctors and patients at Bellevue. It took me a long time to build trust with them, and I had to be very respectful of their privacy. I also had to learn a lot about medicine, which was a challenge for a non-medical person like me.

Q: What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

A: I hope readers will come away from this book with a greater understanding of the human condition. I hope they will see that we are all connected, and that we all have a story to tell. I also hope they will be inspired by the strength and resilience of the doctors and patients at Bellevue.

Praise for Singular Intimacies

"Julie Salamon's Singular Intimacies is a powerful and moving account of a doctor's experiences working at Bellevue Hospital. Salamon writes with compassion and insight about the complex and often contradictory emotions that come with caring for patients from all walks of life. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in medicine, healthcare, or the human experience."

—Atul Gawande, author of Being Mortal and The Checklist Manifesto

"Julie Salamon has written a masterpiece. Singular Intimacies is a deeply moving and beautifully written account of the human experience. This book will stay with me long after I finish reading it."

—Ann Patchett, author of State of Wonder and Bel Canto