physician and patient

The Fifteen Minute Hour is a best-seller because it understands and validates physicians' experiences and needs, and is therefore an emotionally supportive and healing reading experience for physicians. Books which recognize and explicitly address physician stresses in a supportive, understanding manner, even while exhorting physicians to do more for their patients, are not common. This is a well written and useful guide, which reflects Dr. Stuart's unique experience and perspective. She is one of a relatively small number of psychotherapists who work closely with - and provide emotional support for - primary care physicians, as well as providing care for their patients. Her intimate understanding of the challenges of primary (non-psychiatric) medical care is the basis for her advice, and the reason this book is a perennial best-seller among family physicians.
Stuart Green, MSW, MA
Director, Behavioral Science
Overlook Hospital
Summit, NJ

As a medical educator who works with residents, medical students, and other healthcare trainees, I regard this book as a contemporary classic for those who value developing their skills in maximizing the provider-patient relationship. Stuart and Lieberman have combined the best in medicine and psychology to produce a book that not only is an easy read but also includes the evidence that supports the health benefits of engaging patients in healing conversation!