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Life Blood by David Marks: a review

Bone Marrow Transplantation (2024)Cite this article

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Professor Marks is a colleague, mentor, and friend. His illustrious and influential career as a haematologist and bone marrow transplanter has resulted in numerous scientific publications, and as such he has firmly established his reputation as an experienced and eloquent scientific writer. When asked to review his book, Life Blood – part semi-fictional work, part real life narrative - I realised that I knew little of his broader literary skill as a creative writer. It was with excitement and a little trepidation that I began reading.

The first thing that struck me about this book was its honesty. On a fundamental level – the text is a vulnerable reflection on being a doctor as well as a human being. The reader is introduced to a series of patient anecdotes drawn from real-life experience, and through these interactions is encouraged to view how the clinical expertise that we offer as healthcare professionals, is wholly complemented by the richness and depth of human interaction between patient and doctor. As haematologists, we are often privileged to look after patients for many years. Therapeutic relationships that we hope to develop with our patients are bi-directional. No-one goes away empty handed. We cannot fail but to witness, learn, understand things about each other. Professor Marks shows us how influential and ultimately humbling these interactions can be for the clinician – in the consulting room and beyond.

‘I learnt a lot from Sally and her indomitable spirit. It taught me to not give up too easily.’

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  1. The Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Manchester, UK

    Anna Castleton

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  1. Anna Castleton
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*Dr Anna Castleton is the sole author/contributor for this publication.

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Correspondence to Anna Castleton.

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Castleton, A. Life Blood by David Marks: a review. Bone Marrow Transplant (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41409-024-02261-y

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