"In this fascinating memoir, we learn how Dr. Graves' experiences of his own mood disorder and his devotion to classical music helped him better empathize with and understand his patients."
-Dr. Peter Mayerson, Professor Emeritus, Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center
From the Introduction:
I seriously considered careers in teaching, the ministry and transplant surgery, and discovered a convergence of talents for listening and empathy, an unwavering optimism regarding human change and an abiding interest in resolving conflicts.
My attraction to psychiatry was irresistible, with its intimate, nuanced human connections and the promise of ongoing intellectual stimulation in a field situated at the crossroads of the biological sciences, psychology and the humanities. I came to realize that almost everything that I had learned would ultimately become relevant for my work.
I invite the reader to share the experiences of how I chose my profession, what it felt like to practice it and what I learned from working with a diverse and challenging group of patients.
I have listened to thousands of stories... Now it is time to tell my own.
Dr. John Graves graduated from Wesleyan University and did post-graduate studies at Union Theological Seminary and Columbia University. He received his M.D. from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and trained in psychiatry at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center where he served on the volunteer clinical faculty for 35 years. He is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Since his retirement in 2016 he has worked with homeless women, Mental Health Colorado and continues to enjoy his piano studies, fly-fishing and writing. He and his loving companion live in Denver and enjoy travel, attending concerts and hiking together.