A doctor reflects on his profession and his experience with patients in this brilliant essay collection that expands on his wildly popular Twitter poems. In medicine, every patient presents with a story. “Once upon a time I was well, and then . . . ”
These patient narratives are the beating heart of medicine; through stories we strive to communicate, to understand, to empathize, and perhaps find healing.
These Vital Signs is a poignant series of essays—deeply personal stories—inspired by nephrologist Sayed Tabatabai’s medical experience and based on a series of poems he posted on Twitter that began going viral at the height of the Covid pandemic.
Each short work is a poignant glimpse into the ever-changing field of medicine and the special relationship between patients and their doctor. In each, Tabatabai beautifully evokes the emotional tension between life and death, wellness and disease, uncertainty and hope, in a unique and unforgettable way. Exploring themes of illness, dying, grief, and joy, universal in its reach, These Vital Signs tells stories both remarkable and utterly ordinary of a doctor and the patients who have shaped him.
Twitter is such a fascinating social media platform. And like all of them, has its good and bad. Somehow, during the pandemic, I found myself in MedTwitter. Probably because I had called out a couple of insurance companies on their evil practices. However, it came about, Dr. Tabatabai's posts showed up in my Twitter feed and I had to follow him, because I was captivated. Utterly captivated.
He began sharing stories on Twitter. Stories about patient interactions. Stories about medical school and practice experiences. He shared his thoughts and his vulnerabilities as a doctor. And in these stories emerged a theme. A theme about the beautiful and heartbreaking moments in humanity as people struggle with life and death.
And in the midst of a pandemic, when things were unknown and scary and events ever changing, these stories brought us thoughtful moments of hope and inspiration. So often, I found myself sharing these stories with The Doctor, who is not on Twitter, because I knew he would appreciate them.
The format in these stories is the same as in Twitter; 120 character paragraphs, which makes for easy reading. Dr. Tabatabai introduces each chapter and his thoughts add depth and perspective. His storytelling ability, especially in a medium of 120 characters or less, is exceptional.
I enjoyed so many of these stories in real time, and I was thrilled when he announced a book. I pre-ordered it as soon as I could. I was not disappointed.
These Vital Signs is a thoughtful book that reinforces the importance of story. All of us have stories and they have value and significance. Our stories should be shared and cherished and Sayed teaches us this in a simple and beautiful way.
You can follow Dr. Tabatabai on Twitter and discover his wit and wisdom for yourself.
Read 6/23
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5/5 Stars
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