After having read Dr. Vance's book, "Doctor, Is My End in Sight?, it made me ponder on the message he portrays.  The book was very humorous and light-hearted.  I disagree with those who believe that Dr. Vance was showing disrespect towards those from these areas.  It does not make fun of the people from this region or the surrounding regions.  It merely cast a comedic glance on certain phrases that people have been known to say.  The book does not in an way degrade or cast a bad image on "country folks."  After all, country folks are the best all around.

Several ideas came to mind while reading this book.  I am reminded of "old-timers" versus the new technology in the field today.  They sometimes see technology/treatments as threatening and refuse care.  For example, from very recent experience a catheter was placed in a patient and he thought it was something that would harm him.  Another thought is how some people everyday (even in your own family) try to explain what is wrong with them, and the answers are quite humorous.  This book does not show that people are ignorant, but it does play on the lack of knowledge in medicine.  For all we know, some patients could be the smartest in their own fields.  I also think that some situations are best left to the care givers and not the patients.  This idea pertains to self-diagnosing, explaining the illness to someone else, and tending to make a big deal out of something so small.

Dr. Vance differs from other doctors because the book itself is a testimony in how well he listened to his patients.  Many doctors today do not take the time to listen and extend the care in a "humane" way.  Not to say that all doctors fall prey to the "routine," but many forget the reason why they practice.  In my own life, I have experienced doctors who really listen and those who do not.  Dr. Vance serves as a prime example to health care providers and why it is so important to lend an ear.

One observation that I would tell the family of Dr. Vance, is how much of a humanitarian he really was.  He loved everything such as nature, his patients, and the whole realm of life.  Dr. Vance's analyzation of humorous situations brings light to a field that has so many rules, regulations, and laws.  These three things should be followed by all means, but health care providers can find light in their patients by listening.  Medicine can be enjoyable by listening to patients and caring for their every need.  This is Dr. Vance's legacy, this is his testimony to all future allied health professionals.