Official Review: The Illness of Medicine

jardenjarden · Post by **jardenjarden** » 30 Aug 2020, 00:02

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Illness of Medicine" by Michael J. Young, M.D..]

4 out of 4 stars

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If you live in America, you more than likely know how expensive, corrupt, and disappointing our healthcare can be. The practice of medicine is becoming more expensive than ever before. The state of American healthcare wasn’t always like this, so that raises a question: when did the medical industry become so corrupt and expensive, and where do we go from here? In Michael J. Young’s The Illness of Medicine, he shares his own experiences, both as a patient and provider, to raise awareness of the continually arising issues, as well as offer possible solutions.

Doctor Young starts the book by first detailing just how cold and inhospitable the medical industry has become as he describes how the focus of many has shifted from helping the ill, to filling the pockets of powerful businessmen. Young goes on to share his own experiences as to how he found himself in the medical field, how much he loved caring for his patients, how he saw firsthand just how much the system was beginning to change, and why it ultimately left him feeling unfulfilled and frustrated. The book continues to portray the chaotic life of medical students, interns, and residents, as well as the general chaos that always seems to occupy the hospital.

There is no aspect of The Illness of Medicine that I did not enjoy. Young’s portrayal of the American healthcare system is entertaining, honest, and eye-opening. One of my favorite parts of the book was how conversational the writing style is. It doesn’t feel like a lecture or a simple expositional piece. Rather, it felt as if I’m merely having a simple conversation with someone very passionate about pursuing beneficial change for everyone. Not only that, but while he uses medical terms that might not be easily understood by those not educated in the field, he thoroughly explains what those terms mean and how they are important to each topic.

Another thing I loved about this book was just how honest Young was. Throughout its entirety, he manages to not only show just how convoluted the everyday lives of doctors and nurses are becoming, but he also raises awareness as to how patients can contribute to that chaos. Our society is one that runs off capitalism and bureaucracy. Business is business. Young explains how our money-hungry attitudes can ruin lives as malpractice suits grow more common and insurance companies continue to reign supreme. I genuinely enjoyed how upfront he is about each issue, as it helped me to realize how difficult working in the medical field can be.

Perhaps the most important aspect of this book is how Young encourages more people to come together to form a community that seeks change that will benefit the whole. He states that, “health care is not a business but, rather, a priceless societal necessity.” While the book is an emotional rollercoaster of highs and lows, Young opts to finish optimistically with a call to action that leaves the reader feeling educated and empowered.

I would rate The Illness of Medicine 4 out of 4 stars. There were quite a few chapters that discuss male genitalia as well as certain medical procedures that some readers may find uncomfortable. Other than that, I would recommend this to anyone who has any interest in the medical field, or to anyone who is wondering how they can contribute to positive change in our society.

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The Illness of Medicine
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Ify_Reviewer · Post by **Ify_Reviewer** » 31 Aug 2020, 04:07

The book seems to be advocating for a better health care system which by the way, is a matter of necessity. Great review!

Topsey · Post by **Topsey** » 31 Aug 2020, 12:27

AS someone not from the US I feel that this could be an interesting read. Great review!

AGreatUsername · Post by **AGreatUsername** » 31 Aug 2020, 16:37

Up until the disclaimer about male genitalia this sounded like a book I would be very interested in. Why is there so much focus on male genitals?

Suesea · Post by **Suesea** » 31 Aug 2020, 21:04

That's a great review. You were able to draw me into an otherwise worn out subject. Anyone can see how awfully the US failed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. What was the reason for the failure? It was a selfish politician's desire for power, economic gain, and the outward appearance of being a success. It's such a shallow concept, but it is the heart of capitalism. Capitalism has turned our society a selfish place where people in power value money over human lives. Is it possible this can change? Maybe. Hopefully. Doctors and nurses realize the error of our ways, but insurance companies pay the bills. Something radical needs to occur to turn the hearts of people towards the most vulnerable and the sick and not towards simply trying to hold onto five dollars in their paychecks. The US needs healthcare reform or a complete remodeling of the entire system.

Thank you for your review. If all young people thought as you do, the world would be a much better place.

shreyagupta · Post by **shreyagupta** » 31 Aug 2020, 21:48

Thanks for a great review. Books that give an insight on the real lives issues like this one has given on the medical institution, are a must read.

difu · Post by **difu** » 01 Sep 2020, 11:22

I really appreciate this great review. I look forward to reading the book. I would love to understand young's view on American health care system.

jardenjarden · Post by **jardenjarden** » 01 Sep 2020, 20:41

AGreatUsername wrote: ↑31 Aug 2020, 16:37 Up until the disclaimer about male genitalia this sounded like a book I would be very interested in. Why is there so much focus on male genitals?

Doctor Young is a urological surgeon, so he specializes on anything that has to do with one's urinary tract and throughout the book, he discusses different procedures (some of which have to do with male genitals). He also discusses certain pharamceutical drugs that are often advertized as a way for men to have a "better time," and Young essentially talks about how that advertisement is dangerous, especially for young healthy men.

I hope that answers your question

Wycliffe32 · Post by **Wycliffe32** » 03 Sep 2020, 01:39

I may not be in America but from the review I could feel the author's frastruations which I believe resonates with anyone in the world. Good review

AGreatUsername · Post by **AGreatUsername** » 05 Sep 2020, 05:22

jardenjarden wrote: ↑01 Sep 2020, 20:41
AGreatUsername wrote: ↑31 Aug 2020, 16:37 Up until the disclaimer about male genitalia this sounded like a book I would be very interested in. Why is there so much focus on male genitals?
Doctor Young is a urological surgeon, so he specializes on anything that has to do with one's urinary tract and throughout the book, he discusses different procedures (some of which have to do with male genitals). He also discusses certain pharamceutical drugs that are often advertized as a way for men to have a "better time," and Young essentially talks about how that advertisement is dangerous, especially for young healthy men.

I hope that answers your question

Ah, that does make sense. Thank you.

Drado_27 · Post by **Drado_27** » 12 Sep 2020, 07:21

Medical industry is unfortunately very tied with politics nowadays. Seems like the author has an idea how to improve the state of our society. Great review!

Yvonne Monique · Post by **Yvonne Monique** » 15 Dec 2020, 17:08

This is probably a book that the farmaceutical industry does not want people to read. Although the healthcare system in my country is organised differently (not necessarily better), it will be interesting to read about the USA.