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This is the third edition of this collection of daily readings for
Christian doctors, dentists and clinical students. Like the first
two editions it is written by Christians and based on Scripture.
Each day’s theme is based also on the practical experience of
that day’s author of the importance of some aspect of their
own Christian Faith as it relates to the needs of their patients,
or of keeping their own personal priorities in order. |
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One minor change in this edition is that it is just a little smaller
than the earlier ones. The editors tell me that this is so that it
will fit into a pocket or handbag. Now this must mean that
doctors or students have asked for this. I’m sure the editors
had visualised readers keeping the book by their bedside, or at
their desk. That is how I would have seen it too. However I
like the idea – wherever it came from. |
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The doctor or dentist gets ready for the clinic and puts on a
coat. He or she checks the essentials. There is the stethoscope,
the patella hammer, or whatever, and the Doctors’ Life
Support! O.K. we are ready. Let’s go! |
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This attitude puts the day into perspective. It is a reminder that
one is trying to identify the problems of a patient who is a
person. It is a reminder that you – the clinician – are
depending on God-given spiritual insights to be able to
recognise spiritual need and hunger even while the patient
may have told you only of indigestion, headaches or a mouth
ulcer. The square bulge in your pocket may also remind you
that you have something worth reading at odd times while
waiting for the next move in your program. |
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Finally, while talking to a patient, you may remember a
helpful thought that came in last Monday’s reading, and that
you marked to show to a patient on just such an occasion as
this. |
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Paul Brand |
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