Surviving Kidney Disease: True Stories of Love, Courage, Hope, and Heroism ...a - Softcover

Dr. Fisher's career was shaped by two distinct events. While he was preparing for his practice, Dr. Fisher served as a Peace Corps physician serving in La Paz Bolivia from 1969 to 1971. In his own words:"One of the key lessons I learned in Bolivia was how much we all have in common. People want to live healthy lives and they want the same for their loved ones. Most importantly, it was clear to me that having loved ones around during surgery or sickness was powerful medicine."
In 2013, Dr. Fisher was diagnosed with lung cancer."I suddenly became a patient myself and came face-to-face with the idea that I was no longer a part of the "temporarily healthy." Walking in the slippers of my patients allowed me to more fully understand the challenges they faced and the courage that they found to overcome them. I realized that I had been in the presence of heroes, my patients, and I was determined to get well and to write a book to tell their remarkable stories as way of honoring them.My hope is that such a book will inspire all who face major life challenges to find their own inner fiery spirit and to succeed in overcoming adversity."

Michael Fisher's book is the work of a rare sort of specialist--a physician who treats not organs but human beings, who sees disease and health not in narrowly physiological terms but as manifestations of the mind/body unity long taught by ancient wisdom and eloquently proven by modern science. Written with a welcome combination of expertise, passion and humanity, this volume will be a valuable guide to living and thriving with kidney disease for patients, their families and their clinicians--indeed, for anyone interested in the prevention of renal disease.
~ ~ Gabor Maté M.D. Author of When The Body Says No: Exploring the Stress/Disease Connection

Michael Fisher's deep insights into the suffering of his renal patients are a model for the empathetic practice of medicine. His work is a major antidote to a one-sided technical approach to medicine, and a timely reminder of the importance of the human side of medicine. This book is essential reading for anyone studying or practicing medicine.
~ Lionel Corbett MD professor of psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute.

From his own serious illness, Dr. Michael Fisher emerged an inspiring communicator whose passion for patient care far exceeds the norm. This book captures not only the hope, grit, and courage it takes to overcome kidney disease, but illuminates a path to prevention and wellness that can help forestall or prevent a range of infirmities. I strongly recommend it for patients and caregivers alike.
~ Lori Hartwell, President and Founder, Renal Support Network