Michael Weisberg, M.D. believes in the power of role models.  When asked why he became a physician, Dr. Weisberg immediately credits the kindness of his childhood pediatrician, Dr. Kopp.  Frequently sick as a child, Dr. Weisberg would receive regular house calls by Dr. Kopp.  His father would describe to him how Dr. Kopp would carry his medical bag in one hand and with the other hand, he would pull himself up and climb step-by-step until he reached his room on the second floor.  “Here was a man who was stricken with polio as a child and as a result, lost the use of one of his legs,” says Dr. Weisberg, “ but that didn’t stop him from being a doctor.”  His pediatrician’s gentle disposition and perseverance inspired Dr. Weisberg to pursue medicine.

Today Dr. Weisberg reflects on medicine, his 26 years as a Gastroenterologist in Plano and the changes he has seen in the concept of doctor-patient relationships.  He has channeled both his experience and creative writing talent into the fictional thriller, The Hospitalist.  

Q. Why did you write The Hospitalist ?

MW.  First of all, I’ve written all my life.  My hobby and passion has always been writing.  I came across a problem in medicine that I felt no one was talking about or addressing. The doctor who had taken care of you for 5, 10 or 15 years was willing to take care of you as long as you were well.  However, once you were sick and went to the hospital, a whole new set of doctors took care of you. They were called ‘the hospitalists.’  These doctors didn’t know you or have any history of taking care of you.  Most of the time, things went well.  Doctors in America do a good job overall.  However, at times in the absence of having any history with a patient or not knowing the family’s wishes for the patient, disaster could strike.  Someone needed to write a book to illustrate how the art of medicine has become the business of medicine in the 21st century.

 Q.  What do you think is a key takeaway from your book?

 MW. “When you go to the hospital, it’s best to have an advocate with you - someone in the family or close friend that can be with you.  That person knows that your medication list has been given correctly, that you are seeing the proper doctors and that things are progressing the way they should.   

 Join Dr. Weisberg Saturday, May 20th at 2:00 pm - Lochwood Branch of the Dallas Public Library as he allows us more than a bedside view into a riveting novel of various characters who come in and out of each other’s lives and how they affect each other. 

Autographed paperback copies of The Hospitalist, will be available for purchase.  

The short video below gives you a feel for Dr. Weisberg's speaking style.  His website also features a TEDxSMU 2016 talk. 

 Quick recap of this complimentary event: 

 Questions?  Contact Diane Feffer at diane.feffer@me.com OR 972-670-7078