The Language of Illness

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The practice of medicine has advanced significantly, yet the language surrounding illness remains stagnant, leading to confusion among clinicians, patients, and caregivers. This disconnect hampers clear communication about health issues. In this insightful work, Dr. Fergus Shanahan, a distinguished gastroenterologist with extensive international experience, examines memoirs of illness to highlight the importance of language in healthcare. He explores how language can create barriers in understanding and offers practical strategies to overcome these obstacles. Written for a general audience, Dr. Shanahan emphasizes the need for clearer and more holistic communication about illness. This book serves as part manifesto, part memoir, and part instructional guide, advocating for a shared vocabulary that enhances the experience of those affected by illness. Drawing inspiration from the poet-doctor William Carlos Williams, Dr. Shanahan encourages readers to cultivate a new language that fosters a better understanding of living with illness, which is an inherent aspect of the human experience. Ultimately, this work is for anyone invested in the art of caring and improving communication in the context of health.