Interpreter of Shadows

About the Book

Advances in medicine, science and technology will continue, fueled by the changing faces of illness and our desire to eradicate suffering from it. But sophisticated tests and machines can only manifest the tangible aspect of disease and cannot quantify the emotional distress it carries. In spite of these changes, only the fundamental principle of healing remains… the concept of one man caring for another, because medicine is as related to love and compassion as it is to science and technology. The "Interpreter of shadows" is a collection of stories that chronicles experiences of a radiologist, a physician expert in medical imaging. Although the main characters are initially introduced through their medical imaging tests, the real essence goes far beyond and explores the lives and relationships of the patients and people around them. In this book, the author attempts to address the extremes of human conditions of pain and comfort, rejection and acceptance, tragedy and recovery, hatred and love, all woven within the fabric of illness and incapacity. These stories are inspired by real people whose suffering touched many lives around them including that of the author. Illness has many different faces and in this book, we will meet some of them.

About the Author

Dr. Bernard F. Laya is a pediatric radiologist, a physician whose expertise is to provide medical imaging needs of neonates, infants, and children. He received his medical education in Kansas City, Missouri and had his post-doctoral training in Ohio. After practicing a few years in America, he returned to his native country, the Philippines to help promote a clinically-oriented and patient-focused practice of pediatric radiology. Dr. Laya is an educator, an experienced researcher, and an advocate for quality and safety in patient care. He has worked with well known medical experts both in the USA and various countries in Asia.