Facing The Unseen: Reflections on Medicine and the Struggle to Center Emotional Health – Damon Tweedy M.D. – 2024 –
In his second insightful and compassionate autobiographical book, Dr. Tweedy examines medical care delivery and the necessity to connect, combine, and treat physical and mental conditions together-- as the “D” illnesses (for example): Diabetes, Dialysis, Dementia, and Depression impact the body as a whole. Originally Dr. Tweedy wanted to be a cardiologist, but transferred into psychiatry after working in a state mental hospital. At that time, he barely understood the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist. Dr. Tweedy is as associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral science at Duke University.

Dr. Tweedy takes readers behind the scenes in emergency room medicine to over booked clinic appointments where doctors are expected to treat serious patient health conditions in 15-minute appointment slots. The insurance industry has dramatically altered our healthcare delivery system as healthcare providers struggle to meet often unrealistic requirements and work together as a team to efficiently improve patient and healthcare outcomes. In each chapter, the narrative included the names of individual patients, how he worked with other team members and when possible, patient family members not only to address their immediate healthcare needs but also their humanity. Highly recommended! - With thanks to St. Martins Press via NetGalley for the DDC for the purpose of review.

I found Facing the Unseen as a fascinating story of Dr. Tweets and even the evolution of clinical psychiatry and his unexpected way of being a part of it.

Facing the Unseen is the compelling story of how a doctor, with intentions of entering another field of medicine, ended up in psychiatry. In the process, we see how clinical psychiatry within a hospital setting has changed and evolved. It also pays tribute to those who entered the field of psychiatry and gives impetus to others to seriously consider the field. This book can also be seen as a demonstration of progress in psychiatric treatment and gives hope to people that caring mental health professionals do exist.

Recently, mental health has gained significant attention, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite longstanding stigma surrounding mental health, particularly among medical professionals, Dr. Tweedy eloquently articulates the necessity to move past such mindsets and destigmatize mental health issues. In "Facing the Unseen," he presents a compelling argument for the urgent need to combine general medicine and psychiatry. Drawing from his experience as a psychiatrist, Dr. Tweedy showcases the advantages of holistic patient care through collaboration between mental health specialists and general practitioners. He also highlights instances where crucial medical concerns may have been overlooked due to a physician's focus on either the mind or body, but not both.

By reading this book, I have gained valuable insights into the interconnectedness of psychiatric and medical conditions. I wholeheartedly recommend this enlightening read to individuals in the healthcare field or any other profession. Dr. Tweedy's lucid writing style makes complex topics accessible to all readers. Although the book's timeline may be occasionally perplexing, the narrative is reflective and captivating, weaving patient stories with astute critiques of the medical establishment, particularly psychiatry.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.

While the chronology of the book is occasionally confusing, the overall text is thoughtful and engaging. He intertwines stories of patients with thoughtful examination of the medical system and the discipline of psychiatry in particular. As a social worker in integrated behavioral health services, his observation of the benefits of integrated care were enjoyable. Well paced and thoughtful.

Dr. Tweedy is an incredible physician and writer. Facing the Unseen makes a very compelling case that general medicine and psychiatry need to be better integrated. Dr. Tweedy, a psychiatrist, shares several examples of benefits of treating patients holistically and in collaboration with general medicine doctors. He also shares examples of where important medical issues may have been missed because a physician focused on mind or body and not both.

In the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, mental health has become a topic at the forefront of discussion. Historically there has been a stigma attached to mental health, especially within the medical community. Dr. Tweedy eloquently explains why we must move beyond this thinking and destigmatize mental health.

As a reader of the book, I learned a lot about the connection between psychiatric and medical issues. Dr. Tweedy has made me a believer in the Collaborative Care Model. However, I would have really liked more information on this model and a chapter on how believes it could be implemented. This is covered briefly, but I would like to learn more.

I highly recommend this book to those in medicine or in other fields. Dr. Tweedy's writing is clear and understandable to a lay person.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.