This is now the definitive history of the Mayo Clinic, and a valuable resource for a wide range of historians. * Joel D. Howell, University of Michigan, Social History of Medicine (March 2016) *
This is one of the most interesting medical books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. . . well written, engrossing and littered with thought-provoking quotes . . . I would heartily recommend this book. * David Warriner, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield; British Journal of Hospital Medicine, Vol. 77, January 2016 *
Patient stories, included throughout the text, offer a unique perspective and human element from individuals diagnosed with various types of heart disease. For the general reader, the book contains brief and understandable explanations of key medical concepts, terminology, and complex scientific developments. For individuals seeking additional information on a specific subject, a wealth of carefully chosen endnotes are provided as a guide. * Tara Ann Cartwright, PhD; AMWA Journal, Vol. 30, No. 4, December 2015 *
This book describes the intersection of two of the greatest success stories in twentieth century medicine: the evolution of the subspecialty of cardiology, responsible for the greatest prolongation of life in industrialized nations, and the development and growth of the Mayo Clinic, the largest and arguably the finest high quality health care system in the United States. Fye is a highly respected consultant cardiologist at Mayo and an equally distinguished medical historian who has risen to the top of both of these fields. He has produced a lively, insightful book that should be of interest to health care professionals, cardiac patients, their families and all who are interested in the evolution of medical care in the United States. * Eugene Braunwald, MD, Distinguished Hersey Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School *
In his latest book Bruce Fye tells the story of how the Mayo Clinic has, through the years, been a valuable contributor in the fight against heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association is devoted to building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke, and allies like the Mayo Clinic are essential to achieving this mission. * Nancy Brown, CEO, American Heart Association *
The Mayo Clinic has long epitomized the development of cardiovascular care, cardiology practice, and medical technology in the United States. Dr. W. Bruce Fye vividly recounts the history of this world-renowned, yet uniquely American, medical center. As a cardiologist and historian, he provides unique insights into the Mayo model of care, the growth of medical specialization, and the evolution of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. He also presents fascinating glimpses into American society and culture. The personal stories about patients and physicians are particularly compelling. This scholarly yet engaging book deserves a broad audience of both medical and lay readers. * Denton A. Cooley, MD, founder and president emeritus, Texas Heart Institute *
Millions of people owe their lives and health to the rise of cardiac specialization and the remarkable personalities who made it happen. Bruce Fye, MD, has written a frank, fast-moving, and thoroughly readable account of this scientific revolution as it occurred at Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and elsewhere. Those of us who played some small role in the events described can only thank Dr. Fye for his honest and generous history. * Delos M. Cosgrove, MD, CEO and president, Cleveland Clinic *
American health care is so often portrayed as a problem that it's easy to overlook the pioneers and visionaries whose remarkable advances have saved and improved millions of lives. With a focus on heart care, the rise of specialization, and the application of new technologies and protocols pioneered by the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Bruce Fye brings these remarkable achievements to life. He has written a scrupulously researched yet thoroughly readable book for experts and non-experts alike. Caring for the Heart is a compelling story and readers will be in awe of how far we have come in so short a time. * Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO, US Chamber of Commerce *
Bruce Fye's Caring for the Heart: Mayo Clinic and the Rise of Specialization is a unique and brilliant platform to understand the complex interplay of medical, scientific, technological, social and economic forces that over a century have shaped the practice of medicine and cardiology. The author is a cardiologist and historian of international reputation who has produced a highly stimulating, pragmatic, didactic and easy to read book for the general public, health care professionals and policy makers. It portrays beautifully more than a century of cardiovascular science, sophisticated technology, and humanistic medicine. Whether the reader is concerned about the development and future of medicine in general, or heart disease in particular, or about integration of the best care on a technological or human basis, he or she must read this unique and brilliant book. * Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, Physician-in-Chief, The Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY *
There are many scholarly books about cardiology. This volume is unique as its focus is on the emergence and development of an institution whose goal is to do the very best that cardiology offers, and to apply this knowledge to patient care. Reading through the chapters, one becomes quickly aware that the Mayo Clinic has successfully implemented a partnership between the management of the institution, the clinical and scientific faculty, and the patients-including both their physical and emotional care and well-being. The best illustration of this is shown by the development of open-heart surgery beginning in the 1950s. The story of this advance of cardiology at the Mayo Clinic is unique and fascinating, but so is what it has done to extend or improve the lives of thousands of patients. Reading about this is an experience that no one should miss. * Claude Lenfant, MD, former director, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute *
This well-written and thoroughly researched book is very timely and deserves wide readership. The chapter on Franklin Roosevelt's hypertensive heart disease is outstanding. Bruce Fye provides convincing evidence to support his argument that a few White House insiders conspired to mislead the press and the public about the president's health. While this precise and clear history recounts events occurring over seventy years ago, its lessons should be carefully studied by our leaders in the medical and public arenas; indeed by all Americans concerned about the need for honest politics. * Walter F. Mondale, former vice president of the United States *
Bruce Fye is a magnificent storyteller. I had a hard time putting this book down. * William C. Roberts, MD, executive director, Baylor Heart and Vascular Institute and editor-in-chief, American Journal of Cardiology *
It is impossible to think of anyone else with the experience and passion to write this extraordinary book. Bruce Fye is a cardiologist who has lived through many of the changes he describes, and a historian who is well recognized in both careers. * Rosemary A. Stevens, PhD, emeritus professor, History and Sociology of Science, University of Pennsylvania *
W. Bruce Fye uses his unique background as a cardiologist and historian-writer to charm and educate a broad audience. He weaves the history of the Mayo Clinic and its world class surgical and cardiovascular programs with the worldwide historical advances in heart disease diagnosis and treatment. The pages seem to turn themselves, as the text is readable, entertaining, and educational. * Myron L. Weisfeldt, MD, professor of medicine and former director Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions *
Who other than the uniquely talented Bruce Fye could have written such a magnificent narrative of the development of cardiology and its growth at the pioneering Mayo Clinic? This beautifully researched volume is panoramic while meticulously informative; scholarly while engrossingly literate; historic while of the moment * it is vintage Fye at his very best. Here he has created the template on which subsequent such treatises should be based. *
