My Own Country by Abraham Verghese

A book written from Verghese's own experience as an infectious disease specialist at the peak of the HIV epidemic in Johnson City, TN. He uses his own experience as recorded in his journals to describe how quickly HIV can affect a small city in Tennessee. I was particularly touched by his descriptions of learning how to help his patients die more comfortably. 

Verghese's diverse medical training shone through as did his respect for the physical examination. I hope to emulate his sensitivity to a multitude of sensory inputs which he so lovingly described in multiple places. First the art of percussing the body while "listening" with another finger so that you are clued into exactly what to listen for when you finally use your stethoscope. Second, the multiple olfactory clues provided to the attentive doctor, which can help diagnose even before you see your patient. 

Overall, I was very pleased with his open and honest writing style, and willingness to present rural primary care without polish, as tough as it is, and in the end, too tough for him.