Pediatrics Around the Block by Stan Block, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Capturing his inspiring and impactful career in an emotionally demanding realm of medicine, Pediatrics Around the Block: The Journey from Country Doctor to Nationally Renowned Pediatric Researcher/Opinion Leader by Stan Block, M.D., F.A.A.P. examines the essential relationship of hard science with empathy, curiosity, and radical care.

Both a revealing memoir and a methodical manual for rare pediatric diseases, the text is composed of essays, formal case studies, published research, and narrative fascia to fill the gaps. Though the book is framed by the lens of a doctor, educator, researcher, and leader in his field, the book is far from a stuffy or procedural recounting of a career. Within the stories of cases solved, obstacles overcome, and accolades gained, Block also offers a wealth of inspiring wisdom – his superb powers of recollection make the anecdotal moments crackle with authenticity, from the elation of discovery to the numbing tragedy of loss.

Brimming with exquisite detail and eidetic recall, peppered with flashes of sarcasm and self-aware wit, the storytelling can only be described as generous, while never being self-satisfied. There are occasional redundant sections and expositional asides that could be trimmed or tightened, but these tangents also add an appropriate ruggedness to the writing.

Humbly putting his skills in clinical pediatrics on display, and boldly championing a more compassionate, curious, inclusive, and community-based approach to medicine, Block delivers an engrossing and instructive memoir laced with hard-earned knowledge and timeless guidance.