I read a large amount of medical memoirs from a whole range of medical professionals and I was super excited to get to read Your Heart Is The Size Of Your Fist. Dr Scholtens works in such a small field of medicine which we generally don't get to hear too much about so it really piqued my interest. However, unfortunately I just didn't feel this book hit the spot. It felt like too much of a summary. As a former medical professional myself I completely understand about maintaining patients' confidentiality but there are definitely ways to fully address issues, especially such important humanitarian issues that affect refugees that need to be brought into the light, without breaching confidentiality. The book just left me with vague feelings rather than with a burning need and a passion to learn more about this area of healthcare and how we can all raise awareness.

This is really boring and I don’t like it at all. It shouldn’t be boring and I read so much in the genre but I should love it and yet I don’t

Just Beautiful.

Dr. Scholtens shares an open and honestly look at what it’s like to work in a refugee clinic in Vancouver and I cannot be more appreciative. After reading “Your heart is the size of your fist” I really had to look inward and just appreciate the privilege I have.

This book also makes me think that we need to start removing the barriers that still currently exist! I just love how Dr. Scholtens recognizes where her cultural knowledge limitations are and is willing to learn about cultural differences. That’s just what it’s all about, understanding that you do know everything, but you are willing to learn. This isn’t just an important skill for physicians, but for society as well.

I highly recommend this book if you are interested in learning about the challenges refugees and immigrants have, but also about their strength and resilience. Very eye opening and humbling. Thank you Dr. Martina Scholtens.

Thank You to Dr. Martina Scholtens Alex Finlay and TouchWood Editions, for the audio-digital ARC provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley and Brindle Glass for access to the audiobook of Your Heart is the Size of Your Fist: A Doctor Reflects on Ten Years at the Refugee Clinic by Martina Scholtens, MD in exchange for an honest review.

CW: death, death of a child, pregnancy, infertility, miscarriage, rape, abortion, descriptions of war, racism, islamophobia, medical content, grief, see full list on StoryGraph

Scholtens is a gifted and beautiful writer. Her account of her time as a doctor in a refugee clinic engenders feelings of compassion, heartbreak, loss, and the unending hope of resilience. She carefully weaves the narratives of her patients in with discussions of what is means to be practitioner treating people under the biopsychosocial-spiritual framework. This book has implications for all people in business of caring for people (doctors, nurses, counselors, social workers, human resources personnel, etc.). Not only does Scholtens tactfully argue that trauma is an evergreen issue when interacting with patients, but also reminds readers of the utmost importance of cultural sensitivity in treatment. Stories of healing presented by Scholtens serve as a profound reminder that people are the experts of their own experience, and, though at times it seems impossible and counterproductive, a kind and listening ear can be a therapeutic agent.

My only critique is that I wish Scholtens had addressed ethical issues presented throughout the book more thoroughly and sooner than she did. Though she did circle back to some of the ethical issues at play with accepting gifts from patients, determining when referral to mental health professionals is appropriate, and how to discharge a patient from care effectively, it seemed that some of these issues came up multiple times without an immediate discussion of the ethical challenges that she encountered in her role as a refugee doctor. I was disappointed at a) the lack of regard for ethics at the forefront of conceptualizing treatment, and b) that it took so long to discuss ethics at all, which may lead lay-readers to accept some of this doctor's actions as acceptable when perhaps she should have altered her responses in certain situations.

I am a big fan of medical nonfiction, so I loved this memoir by a doctor, especially one as eloquent as Martina Scholtens. I might recommend this book to fans of true crime (though I can't exactly put my finger on why), and those who are interested in gaining more insight on cultural competence in treatment (either physical or mental).

Thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC!

Your Heart Is the Size of Your Fist is a heartwarming and entertaining account of the author's experiences as a doctor in a refugee center in Canada. There are some heartbreaking moments as well. You feel the depths of the highs and lows as Dr Schottens takes you through some remarkable cases. Highly recommend!

I am about to pull up stakes and go beg for a job at this refugee clinic in Vancouver.

This book was great- it reminded me very much of God's Hotel, in that both authors could clearly articulate the way that the restrictions of the healthcare system effected the care they could provide their patients, while also describing the concerns and individuals with so much empathy and warmth that their caring shows through. I only wish it was longer. Highly recommend.

I read this for netgally in exchange for an honest review

This audiobook was fantastic!
It has left me with a smile, a tear and many questions.
As with most of this type of book, I will need to revisit it again and listen more intently when time allows.
Highly recommended

Audiobook
What a gem of a book. Dr. Marina Scholtens works in a refugee clinic in Vancouver. She sees new Canadians from all over the world and walks us through the process of working with each refugee via a translator to identify any health issues. The anecdotes are truly riveting and the examples of how best to overcome cultural boundaries in a respectful and caring way. This book is a truly an exploration of how to be human and how to show compassion, juggle your own personal life and stay cognizant of your own privilege.
If you are interested in other cultures, the strength and resilience of refugees and immigrants or just are interested in the daily life of a thoughtful, reflective and kind doctor this is a fabulous book for you!
#Touchwood