Physician Heal Thyself

Dying was not something Michael J. Hession, MD, had thought much about. In abstract terms, he understood its inevitability, but as a seasoned and healthy physician, mortality seemed distant. That all changed on December 31, 2013, when the abstract became a chilling reality. Faced with a near-death experience, Hession found himself grappling with profound questions: How does one recover from a near-death experience? What skills are needed to navigate such a harrowing ordeal?

In the wake of his near-death experience, Hession found himself overwhelmed by fear, confusion, and a sense of existential dread. Struggling to make sense of their newfound mortality, he started to slowly rebuild his body, both physically and emotionally, as well as searching for a new meaning for life, purpose, and happiness.

Although the events in the book occurred between December 31, 2013, through 2015, the inspiration to write this book came in January of 2020. His son was a senior resident in Medicine at Bellevue Hospital in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic that was laying waste to the world. He felt hopeless and unable to help as he was recovering from elective hip replacement surgery. It was then that he realized that his personal story of survival and recovery could possibly help others. Drawing from his own life-changing experience, Michael J. Hession, MD, offers a unique perspective as both a survivor of near-death and a seasoned physician. With over three decades of caring for critically ill patients, Hession brings unparalleled expertise and empathy to his memoir, providing invaluable insights into the complexities of recovery and the human spirit.

By the end of this compelling memoir, you will emerge with a newfound sense of resilience, hope, and purpose. Through Hession's poignant storytelling and practical wisdom, readers gain the tools and perspective needed to navigate their own healing journeys and feel empowered to face adversity with courage and grace, armed with a deeper understanding of life's fragility.

Physician Heal Thyself resonates and helps guide both survivors of near-death and their loved ones through the agony of recovery and the Herculean task of rebuilding a life. Discover the power of the human spirit to overcome unimaginable challenges and emerge stronger than ever before while finding solace, guidance, and hope for the journey ahead.