The Other End of the Stethoscope

De: Marcus Engel

Narrado por: Marcus Engel

Work over load. Constantly changing policies. Increasing bureaucratic regulations. These are just a few of the challenges health care providers face every day; Challenges that limit the ability to provide excellent patient care.

After being blinded and suffering catastrophic injuries at the hands of a drunk driver, Marcus Engel witnessed health care from the other end of the stethoscope. Through 300 hours of reconstructive facial surgery, and years of hospitalization, rehab and recovery, Marcus witnessed firsthand, the good, the bad and the ugly of patient care. Marcus’ insights will give health care providers new and essential strategies to rediscover the magic and compassion between caregiver and patient.

©2006 Marcus Engel (P)2025 Marcus Engel

Reseñas de la Crítica

"With over 20 years of experience in medical education, I wish I had this book to share with every resident I taught. Marcus has cut right to the chase, and provides a perspective on medical care that every physician, nurse, and allied health professional should hear." - David Campbell, MD, MEd, President/CEO Institute for Family Medicine

"Marcus' book is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do, and how the tools of communication, compassion and caring make all the difference." - Terri Seidel, RN Director of Operations St. Louis and Southern Illinois region Healthsouth Surgery Centers

Foundational Skills for Caregiving MUST READ!

The relatable and real-life examples of patient care within this book will provide a solid foundation for any healthcare professional looking to give compassionate presence to their patients and families. SO many takeaways and action steps that a clinical professional can put into practice starting TODAY.

A Reminder of My WHY

Hearing a patient story like this and the profound effect Marcus’s caregivers had on his recovery remind me why I do what I do as a nurse and a caregiver.

Definitely a must read

Great read! A medical professional must read!! Will definitely recommend to my colleagues and staff.

I'm the original Barb

Retired now after 43 years working at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis....all on the same unit. I took care of thousands of patients...one in particular was an 18 year old young man who literally stole my heart.

Was Marcus easy? Absolutely not. He was taken from his known world and thrown into mine. He had fractures everywhere and was in very serious, critical condition when we first crossed paths. The horror of his injuries was known by me before he even left the emergency room. The eye doctor on call happen to stop by my station visibly upset. She told me about the young man who she was sure would never see again that she had just completed a consult. "That may be the least of his worries...I am not sure he will survive with the injuries he has." I knew when I arrived for my next shift and saw I was getting a transfer...I already knew his story.

Every single time I worked, I took care of Marcus. My fellow staff knew he and I had a good connection. He would require a lot of nursing care both in the physical and emotional needs he required. I cared for him just as I would any others yet after a month of constant interactions...he belonged to me.

My sons remembered every Thanksgiving time when Mom didn't have to work...but she had to go to work. I received a call late the night before that Marcus was going home. Other arrangements were made and my wonderful husband encouraged me to go back to work for a few hours and he and our sons would head to Grandma's on their own.

Marcus came back several times for various surgeries and procedures. He usually was sent to our unit . One particular admission he was sent to another unit. The hospital supervisor came to me and asked me to go see him....the nurses there were having some sort of issue with him. I don't think he remembers that....but we got things straightened up.

Marcus may have lost his sight...something I can identify in a very SMALL way as I lost an eye as a child. (We go to the same oculist!) He has never really lost his sight. He is the most insightful person who I have ever known, He could be sitting at home doing nothing and feeling sorry for himself. He has taken what God has given him and blessed those that are caregivers whether in healthcare or business. Simple reminders of the need for human kindness and compassion.

This book highlights some of our interactions. I loved listening to this book and hearing his voice. Perfection

I am not that smart. After four years in retirement I can no longer recite a lot algorithms, recount every drug interaction and I would be hesitant about regulating a ventilator. I do believe that Marcus has reminded those of us old school nurses as well as the next generation, that in the long run.....what is important is taking care of someone in need with the reminders of kindness and compassion. The other things are not nearly as important.

Thank you Marcus for blessing me and my nursing career. Thank you for being my patient and ultimately my friend I can call anytime, anywhere. I have had some difficult losses and Marcus has always been one of the first there for me.

Now, that is kindness and compassion.
Listen to the message of this wonderful book. What a treasure to hear Marcus read it .

Dignity

Medical professionals are trained to provide life saving and sustaining care, no doubt. But can you teach compassion, empathy, or excellent bedside manner? This book provides insight into the patient experience, offering practical tips and relatable stories which can be put into practice to enhance your caregiving. I am sure even the most seasoned medical professionals will find inspiration from this book as it covers a wide range of medical disciplines and situations, all against the backdrop of the author's recovery and rehabilitation from a horrific car accident. Give it a listen, you won't be disappointed.

Unfiltered stories of a patient experience

This book is a great read for anyone in healthcare. This true story is something that is easy to relate to stir your emotions and make you think. My Nursing leadership team and I read this for a book club a few months ago and it has created ongoing discussion and thought. The Audible version is wonderful, highly recommend.
S Wilson

Excellent insight on nursing

I have been a nurse for over 30 years and this is the best book on nursing I have ever read! I almost gave up on reading It in the first chapter because what happened to this young man was horrific and it was hard to bear the weight of what he was going through. I'm glad I hung in there. It was so worth it! As far as I know, none of my patients ever complained about my care. But Marcus shows a level of insight from the place of the patient, and it is pure gold...even for a seasoned nurse. Toward the end knowing that his voice was badly affected by what happened to him, I wondered who actually read the book for the audio version...it sounded so personal. My jaw dropped when I found out it was the author himself! What great joy to find out that this part of his issues was recovered so beautifully! I plan to buy this audio book for my granddaughter who is in her first few years of nursing. She went to a great school and earned honors. However some things can't be taught in school. But a patient can teach us much..and Marcus did just that. All nurses should read this book!