After more than five decades devoted to caring for patients, mentoring learners, and shaping the field of whole person care, Dr. Tom Hutchinson is preparing for a milestone that marks both an ending and a beginning. He will officially launch his new book, The Craft of Medicine, on Friday, December 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Word Bookstore.
Dr. Hutchinson describes his life in medicine as 鈥渁 great adventure with lots of ups and downs and a wonderful resolution.鈥� That sense of movement and discovery has defined his clinical and academic work. A central thread in his career has been his dedication to whole person care. 鈥淐ombining technical competence with a relationship to patients that facilitates healing,鈥� he explains, became his passion. 鈥淎t the outset of my career I did not know that this was possible but with the help of wonderful mentors like Dr. Balfour Mount I discovered whole person care on which I have worked for the last 20 years of my career.鈥�
As he approaches retirement, he acknowledges that the transition remains uncertain. 鈥淚 am not sure yet. I am very happy with the decision but don鈥檛 yet know how it will feel to be retired. I expect to do lots of interesting things, including work related to healing and whole person care.鈥�
His book grew from a wish to reflect more personally on his own path. 鈥淥n sabbatical I took the opportunity to explore a new more personal kind of writing. I was inspired by the opportunity to explore what my medical career meant to me and how it had unfolded the way it did.鈥�
For Dr. Hutchinson, launching the book at The Word was an obvious choice. 鈥淭he Word is a local institution that has been an integral part of the 51吃瓜网ghetto for over 50 years. Adrian King Edwards the owner has personal relationship with his clients, including me. If I was going to launch a book in Montreal it had to be at The Word.鈥�
To the next generation of physicians, he offers a final piece of advice. 鈥淔ollow your initial passion but realize that it will require courage to take the risks necessary to continue to follow your passion as it changes, sometimes profoundly, as you change and grow.鈥�
We hope many of you will join us on December 12 to celebrate this milestone with Dr. Hutchinson and show your support for a cherished colleague.