Finally, here is a book that any clinician can truly relate to.

Medicine has long been regarded as both a science (episteme) and an art or craft (techne). However, the author presents a bold claim that it is neither. Instead, the concept of phronesis comes into play. Phronesis is all about the practice of making pragmatic decisions and taking action in uncertain or incompletely understood situations, with the ultimate goal of reaching a desired outcome.

Clinical decision making and clinical judgment align perfectly with this idea. Clinicians, this book is a must-read. As you peruse its pages, you're bound to have a massive aha-erlebnis (a moment of sudden realization or enlightenment).

For patients, reading this book will provide you with a better understanding of your doctor's thought processes and decision-making. It offers valuable insights into the complex world of medicine.

Highly recommended for both clinicians and patients alike, this book has the potential to transform the way we view and approach medical practice.

Her fundamental argument is that the "art vs. science" construct of medicine is deeply confused and misleading.

Medicine's relationship to science is indeed complex. In fact, most clinical medicine is perhaps best understood as _phronesis_, which is the practical reasoning and problem-solving described by Aristotle.

I find this argument to be quite persuasive and well elaborated. She delves into the works of postmodern philosophers to a certain extent. However, I find myself more inclined towards cognitive psychological models of clinical phronesis rather than postmodernism.

She also advocates in parallel for a shared acknowledgment of the ineluctable uncertainty that characterizes medicine. This is an important perspective on an important topic. Nevertheless, I felt that it could have been developed a little better.

Overall, her work offers valuable insights into the nature of medicine and its relationship with science and other disciplines.

I had anticipated more from this book in several aspects.

For instance, some of the chapters, such as the part on taking history and clinical judgment, were evidently logical despite their descriptions. However, when considering the number of pages in relation to the useful content, it seems overrated.

The book might have benefited from a more concise presentation to enhance its overall value.

Perhaps a reevaluation of the content and its organization could lead to a more engaging and informative read.

It is essential to ensure that the number of pages is justified by the quality and significance of the information provided.

This would enable readers to obtain the maximum benefit from their investment of time and resources in reading the book.

Overall, while there are some positive aspects to the book, there is also room for improvement in terms of its content and presentation.

The title of the book is rather misleading. It would be better if it were named How Doctors Should Think instead of How Doctors Think. There is a substantial difference between the two. The latter focuses on the description of facts, that is, how clinical decisions are made in hospitals. On the other hand, the former is more philosophical, delving into how medical school curricula should be changed.

The writing style of the book is argumentative, filled with various arguments. However, I wish the book had been more narrative. I can understand that the author is very thoughtful. But still, more stories would have been better!

Despite all its defects, the book does have its own merits. Some of the highlights of the book include the take-home suggestions by the author, such as "Experience is the best teacher." and "Learn from others' mistakes." "Pattern your practice on that of your clinical elders." and "Question everything you are told and much of what you see." The author's suggestion of always keeping paradoxes in mind is very insightful. After all, clinical decisions are full of paradoxes.

"Those who possess this rational capacity or virtue in great measure are often regarded as wise. Yet, as the philosopher Charles Taylor has pointed out, rationality as a whole has come into ill repute precisely because contemporary Westerners have no standard except science for what is rational." The author's emphasis on the significance of practical reasoning in clinical decisions is the core of the book. This is truly inspiring, as most people, including myself, have been mentally trapped in the realm of science.

An excellent treatise on the art of knowing and mastering the anxiety of not knowing

This is an outstanding exploration into the art of dealing with the uncertainty and anxiety that comes with not knowing. It delves deep into how we can better understand and come to terms with this aspect of our knowledge acquisition.

An excellent review of how we approach the cognitive aspects of medical practice

Medicine, like many other disciplines, has its own set of challenges when it comes to the cognitive aspects of practice. This review provides valuable insights into how medical professionals navigate through the complex web of knowledge and decision-making. It highlights the importance of continuous learning and the ability to adapt to new information and situations.

Medicine shares a method of applied expertise with many other disciplines. This commonality allows for the exchange of ideas and best practices, which can lead to further advancements in all fields. By understanding the cognitive processes involved in medical practice, we can also gain a better understanding of how to approach similar challenges in other areas. Overall, this article offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking look at the art of knowing and the cognitive aspects of medical practice.

Fascinating read!

It approaches the medical world and its complex balancing act of constant trade-offs. Just like all of us will, one day, encounter situations that require difficult decisions.

The writing style is highly readable, and at times, it is even lyrical. It makes the reader engage in a practice of self-reflection.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone with an interest in diagnosis in medicine. It provides valuable insights into the challenges and intricacies of the medical field.

Whether you are a medical professional or simply someone curious about how doctors make decisions, this article offers a thought-provoking perspective.

It highlights the importance of considering multiple factors and making the best possible choices in the face of uncertainty.

Overall, it is a captivating read that will leave you with a deeper understanding of the medical world and its constant trade-offs.

The book under review has the occasional insightful comments that manage to catch the reader's attention.

However, it is largely filled with constructivist nonsense. The constructivist approach taken in the book seems to lack a solid foundation and often veers into the realm of the absurd.

It presents ideas that are not only difficult to understand but also seem to have little practical application.

The author's attempt to promote constructivism comes across as forced and unconvincing.

While it is important to explore different theories and perspectives, this book fails to do so in a meaningful and coherent way.

Overall, it is a disappointment and not a recommended read for those seeking valuable and reliable information.

This piece is truly interesting, informative, and is told in a very engaging manner. It embodies all the qualities that nonfiction should possess.

It presents a wealth of knowledge in a way that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. The information is presented clearly and concisely, making it easy for the reader to understand and absorb.

However, it must be noted that at times, the content can get a bit repetitive. But this is not a fatal flaw by any means.

Despite the occasional repetition, the overall quality of the piece remains high. It still manages to hold the reader's attention and convey its message effectively.

Overall, it is a great example of what nonfiction writing can and should be. It combines interesting facts with engaging storytelling to create a piece that is both enjoyable and educational.

I began to read this book for a course that in English would be called "Teaching clinical method in medicine". However, my professor concluded (and I agree) that a more proper name would be "Clinical reasoning".

The book delves far beyond clinical judgment and the practice of medicine. In a way that, to me, was if not exhaustive at least enumerative, the author gathers numerous paramount examples regarding the relation of literature, philosophy, ethics, history, economics, and several other fields with medicine and medical education.

The core of the book is the author's opinion that medicine is not a science and the development of this idea, along with its arguments and counterarguments, pros and cons. As a physician myself, I have to admit that at first sight, that proposition seemed if not an attack at least a rude opinion. But, my feeling about it changed, and I will tell you how I realized the change.

Due to a number of mandatory and simultaneous lectures, I moved about the book for a whole year! I kept coming and going to already read chapters because sometimes I had forgotten what it was about. The tone of my annotations and underlining in the book was gradually modified. The introduction was full of sarcastic (electronic) sticky notes expressing my annoyance with the author, which was enhanced by my consideration of her as a layperson. Well, as time goes by, things evolve. I decided to re-read some parts of the book, and suddenly, there it was: she was right.

At that moment, I obtained something very valuable, a definition of medicine that I will perhaps use for the rest of my life: an acquired, culturally engendered, communally reinforced, flexible, situationally sensitive, interpretive, narrative-aided, science-based, abductive, rational practice (dialogic and aphoristic in character). In short: medicine is a practice. How? Why? Well, you'll have to read the book to find out.

This book is specifically designed for pre-med students who have a strong desire to pursue a career as physicians. It is also suitable for anyone who is curious about the practice of medicine and the science behind it.

During my clinical rotation, I found that the questions I had kept growing larger and more complex. This was because the answers I received were sometimes unorganized or unclear. However, Kathryn, who does not have an MD degree, has a deep understanding of how doctors think.

She presents some valuable insights, such as "When you hear hoofbeats, don't think zebras." This means that when diagnosing a patient, it is important to consider the most likely causes first before jumping to rare or exotic possibilities.

Another interesting point she makes is that "Experiences is the ground of medicine's rules of practice, then research flows from it." This emphasizes the importance of practical experience in developing medical knowledge and how research builds upon that experience. Overall, this book offers a unique perspective on the world of medicine and is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the field.

A really excellent and thought-provoking piece on the nature of medical knowing.

Medical knowing is a complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses not only the scientific knowledge and technical skills of medicine but also the understanding of the patient as a whole person.

It involves the ability to diagnose and treat diseases, as well as the capacity to communicate effectively with patients, understand their concerns and values, and involve them in the decision-making process.

Moreover, medical knowing is constantly evolving as new research and technologies emerge, and as our understanding of the human body and mind deepens.

Therefore, it is essential for medical professionals to continuously update their knowledge and skills, and to engage in ongoing reflection and self-evaluation to ensure that they are providing the best possible care to their patients.

This piece offers valuable insights into the nature of medical knowing and its importance in the practice of medicine, and is sure to stimulate further discussion and reflection among medical professionals and patients alike.

This is an insightful book that offers interesting observations and concepts.

However, it falls short in fully delving into the mind of the physician.

The book approaches the subject from an epistemological and philosophical perspective.

It contends that the axioms "Medicine is a science" and "Medicine is an art" are often tossed around without proper definition.

Instead, it proposes that medicine is a practice and that clinical judgment lies at the intersection of "science" and "art".

Unfortunately, the themes are repeated to the point of being tiresome throughout the book.

This may be partly due to the fact that the chapters were previously published separately.

Chapter nine, in particular, seems out of place and should have been left out.

Overall, though, it is a good read, especially for those involved in teaching medicine.

It provides valuable food for thought and can stimulate discussions about the nature and practice of medicine.