True Tales from a Physician Assistant

BOOK REVIEW BY A PA PROGRAM ASSISTANT PROFESSOR :
“True Tales from a Physician Assistant” by Seth Wittner

“I had the pleasure of reviewing a book recently published by a veteran physician assistant by the above title. It is a collection of short stories, each only a couple of pages long, that makes for easy reading. It’s a book that you can pick up, put down, and pick up again even a week later since the short stories end, making it an ideal late night or lunchtime read.

Each of the short stories is based on real life experiences by this PA in the course of his career. It is not a self-glorifying autobiography. It is a collection of memorable experiences, some focused on the patient, some on the patient’s family, and some on the supervising physician or even a specialist whose expertise was critical in the care of the patient and provided a learning experience for the PA. There are funny stories, sad stories, ingenious revelations, and that stereotypic patient story.

I enjoyed reading this book for all of the reasons above, but I think that the most enjoyable part was the reflections I experienced about my own patients in the course of my career. Many of these stories triggered memories of previous patient experiences of my own. I have often stated that I would write a book someday…..Well, this Seth Wittner did just that!

If you’re expecting some complex novel detailing the psychologic journey of a student becoming a PA and learning the life of a PA the hard way, you’re not going to get it. If you’re looking for some enjoyable, mostly light-hearted recollections of patient-care experiences, it’s worth the read! I, personally, think that it would make a great holiday gift for a PA who perhaps mentored you, a supervising PA at your place of work, or just a PA friend! It’s available on Amazon and is not expensive.”
Theresa Neumann, PA-C
Director of Legislative Affairs, MAPA
Academic Coordinator & Clinical Assistant
Professor – Towson University/CCBC Essex PA Program