Book Reviews

"It’s a testament to the depth of knowledge that modern GPs have to have..."

Silver Linings is a book filled with stories showing the resilience of the human spirit in face of adversity. Dr Nayagam has sensitively told the stories of her patients, and how as a GP, she helped them navigate the journey of illness back to good health.  Each story is special, but the standouts include the sports-loving teenage boy, the mum overcoming depression and obesity and the many patients dealing with rare conditions. This book illustrates so eloquently the diverse range of skills a good GP needs. It’s a testament to the depth of knowledge that modern GPs have to have. As patients, we should all be so lucky to have a GP as thorough and caring as Dr Nayagam. Her generosity is underlined by the fact that all profits from this book will go to help those in need in her local area.

Sophie Scott - Medical Reporter, Australian Broadcasting Corporation

ABC

T:@sophiescott2 

E: scott.sophie@abc.net.au

P: +61 2 8333 3715

W: www.sophiescott.com.au

Books: Live a Longer Life

             Roadtesting Happiness

***************************************************************************************************************

"This book would serve as a most appropriate beacon for those starting their medical journey..."

Mrin Nayagam is the sole author of ‘Silver linings’ , a 236-page book which presents 22 case histories of her most interesting patients. The sub-title of the book ‘True stories of resilience from a general practice’ reveals just that-detailed documented and researched accounts of her very special patients. Well written and interesting ‘silver linings’ reveals a general practitioner’s humanitarian approach with her palpable human warm feelings and compassion for her patients. The author gives an insight into those great hallmarks of general practice-caring, continuity of care, perseverance, and advocacy. This book would serve as a most appropriate beacon for those starting their medical journey be it as an undergraduate and/or registrar.

Professor John Murtagh AM -

Emeritus Professor John Murtagh AM
Department of General Practice
School of Primary Health Care
Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences
 
*********************************************************************************************************

"I found it a relaxing, 'feel good' read and an inspiring smorgasbord of the joys of long-term general practice..."

A long-term family GP has a unique window into the lives of many different kinds of people. We travel with our patients through the ups and downs of their life journeys: guiding, supporting and sometimes merely bearing witness to distress and joy alike.

“Silver Linings” by Dr Mrin Nayagam, is a beautiful exploration of the deeply rewarding parts of our job as doctors. Through twenty-two true patient stories, it celebrates the triumph of human nature over adversity, the varied and interesting medicine seen in general practice, and the important role a trusted family doctor can play in helping patients with their struggles.

The writing is clear and engaging.  Suitable for a lay audience, it explains medical concepts, treatments, and conditions in easily understood terms, making use of explanations and analogies no doubt accumulated over the many years Dr Nayagam has been demystifying medical jargon for her patients.  There is no doubt that she is an excellent communicator and much loved by her patients.

Many doctors think at some point that they would like to write a book about patients they’ve seen.  Few doctors write one.  Among other reasons, we cite lack of time and poor formal writing skills, but I think what holds us back the most is concern about doctor-patient confidentiality.  Dr Nayagam dealt with this aspect by contacting memorable patients and then, with full consent, interviewed each at length outside the context of the medical consultation.  While no doubt time consuming, it had the added benefit of encouraging self-reflection and, at times, personal growth of her interviewees, through the interview process itself.

I found it a relaxing, “feel good” read and an inspiring smorgasbord of the joys of long-term general practice.  Dr Nayagam’s kindness, curiosity, and social consciousness shone through her writing and I wish her all the best with her charitable ventures.

Dr Genevieve Yates FRACGP.

Censor, RACGP /Queensland Faculty/
Australia

*******************************************************************************************************