JUNE 2023 | ISSUE 68 Summer is almost officially here, which means The New York Times bestsellers list is filled with great reads. One of them is a brilliantly written and moving novel from physician and author Abraham Verghese called “The Covenant of Water,” which currently sits at No. 3 on the NYT hardcover fiction list and is an Oprah book-club selection. I’ve known Abraham as a long-time friend, colleague at the Stanford University School of Medicine, and source of inspiration. I marvel at his ability to create vivid and memorable images through his words. His writing is prose that flows like poetry, and I expect “Covenant” will continue climbing the charts. Last week, I had the pleasure to interview Dr. Verghese on the Fixing Healthcare podcast. We spoke about his approach to both writing and medical practice. He told me that whether he’s wearing a writer’s hat or a doctor’s hat, “the gaze is the same.” While in the classroom or on rounds, he instructs medical-school students and residents to “read the body like a book.” He concluded our discussion by noting that the best healthcare leaders he has met all read fiction (not just nonfiction or biography). I encourage you to read this new novel and experience its power. I promise you’ll be transported to another world and that you’ll return to “real life” with renewed passion and inspiration. This month’s newsletter begins with a look at lessons from recent fiction and nonfiction literature. |
