A medical doctor and educator reflects on his career and offers advice in this guidebook for physicians.

Medical schools have long prioritized technical skills and knowledge; not until recent years, per Cox, did they begin to focus on “the foundations of professionalism.” A pediatric anesthesiologist and professor emeritus at Washington University, the author offers up-and-coming doctors a handbook to building intentionally crafted careers—entire chapters are dedicated to discussions of ethics, professional identity, innovation, and compassion. Each chapter blends Cox’s personal story with broad commentary on the profession. The book’s memoir portions establish the author’s family’s historical connections to medicine (his grandfather and great uncle, both general practitioners, performed surgery in their Arkansas farmhouse) and relate his own experiences as a student and resident at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Virginia. Targeting neophyte physicians, Cox particularly stresses career development, celebrating the growth of his former students and residents who have gone on to become successful educators and clinicians. The author repeatedly affirms the responsibility of established physicians to support their younger colleagues; a chapter on leadership highlights the duty of chief residents and department leaders to provide a collaborative, supportive work environment for the “future leaders in their organization.” Cox points out that while aspiring physicians are well aware of the commitment required to earn their degrees, their career advancement requires a similar commitment once they become practicing members of a specialty. The “socialization process” takes years to hone, per the author: “Long training continuums that include residencies and fellowships as well as postdoctoral studies provide you opportunities to observe role models and receive counsel from accomplished mentors.” The book’s approachable, often personal text is accompanied by photographs, charts, diagrams, and other visual elements. An introductory foreword by Washington University professor Tim Bono sets the tone by prioritizing the role of happiness in one’s professional trajectory.

Well-crafted career advice for doctors.