With his âdeeply informed and compassionate bookâĻDr. Epstein tells us that it is a âmoral imperativeâ [for doctors] to do right by their patientsâ (New York Journal of Books).
The first book for the general public about the importance of mindfulness in medical practice, Attending is a groundbreaking, intimate exploration of how doctors approach their work with patients. From his early days as a Harvard Medical School student, Epstein saw what made good doctors greatâmore accurate diagnoses, fewer errors, and stronger connections with their patients. This made a lasting impression on him and set the stage for his lifeâs workâidentifying the qualities and habits that distinguish master clinicians from those who are merely competent. The secret, he learned, was mindfulness.
Dr. Epstein âshows how taking time to pay attention to patients can lead to better outcomes on both sides of the stethoscopeâ (Publishers Weekly). Drawing on his clinical experiences and current research, Dr. Epstein explores four foundations of mindfulnessâAttention, Curiosity, Beginnerâs Mind, and Presenceâand shows how clinicians can grow their capacity to provide high-quality care.
The commodification of health care has shifted doctorsâ focus away from the healing of patients to the bottom line. Clinician burnout is at an all-time high. Attending is the antidote. With compassion and intelligence, Epstein offers âa concise guide to his view of what mindfulness is, its value, and how it is a skill that anyone can work to acquireâ (Library Journal).