I really enjoyed The Other Dr. Gilmer: Two Men, a Murder and an Unlikely Fight for Justice. I’m not a trained book reviewer. I just like reading non-fiction. I heard this author being interviewed on NPR a few years ago, and the topic intrigued me. When I read a book that contains information that may apply to health care providers, I figured I would just share the resource. No agenda here.

Before the time I read it, most of the reviews and comments I read identified the issues surrounding mental illness as important. The title alludes to why the author wrote this amazing book. Benjamin Gilmer, a new family practice physician, began working at a medical practice in a rural North Carolina town. Turns out that his predecessor coincidentally had the same last name and had been sentenced to life in prison for murdering his father. The author shares his journey from moving to a new community, learning about his predecessor, the fear of his possible return, to becoming an advocate and lifelong friend of the other Dr. Gilmer. Throughout the book, I heard messages that should resonate with all of us who provide care to patients in our practices.  

The initial theme I noticed was the need to listen carefully to our patients. I related to the author as he discussed preconceptions of a possible diagnosis that can begin forming as we read through the patient’s chart, prior to even meeting the person. Then we see the patient. What does the patient tell us that may lead us in a direction away from their diagnosis and treatment plan? What about the clinician’s preconceived plan for a patient? 

My second encounter with this book was the audiobook, read by the author, Dr. Gilmer. Again, I took away the message of the importance of really listening to our patients. In Chapter 5, the author noted, “Listening was more powerful than prescribing”. More than once, I heard the connection between good listening and patient care. As private practicing dental hygienists, we are blessed to be able to take more time to really listen to patients rather than trying to listen as we guide them through all the steps we need to take in the 45 minutes we have with them. 

The author discussed how brain health can affect perceptions, including our own mental health. Self-care is probably one of the keys that allows us to be good listeners and clinicians. The mental or cognitive health of Americans is at a crisis level. He shares his own struggles with mental clarity, physical well-being, and the struggle of balancing the two. 

I loved this statement by Dr. Benjamin Gilmer, “Rural practice was my calling”. The rural population is so many areas of the United States, are being left behind as clinicians find more financial security, professional outlets, and activities in urban and suburban America. The rural areas are being drained of health professionals. This book also reminds me of the intangible rewards of practicing in rural areas. 

This was a powerful account of, as the title states, two men, a murder, and an unlikely fight for justice, as it weaves the value of health care providers and our roles in patient care. 

Want more book reviews? Read Elly’s previous book review HERE!