I have been reading this book since last year, taking my time with it. I tend to pace myself with non-fiction reads, as the information can often be overwhelming, and this book was no exception.

The book delves into the pragmatics of medical potential within the healthcare industry and is divided into four parts, each addressing a different aspect of hope, uncertainty, and the evolving landscape of medicine.

The first section, Pragmatics of Hope and Uncertainty, challenges conventional medical thinking. It emphasizes the importance of embracing ambiguity in medical ethics and decision-making, while also examining the broader philosophical and moral implications of uncertainty and hope in healthcare. This section encourages readers to reflect on how uncertainty is an inevitable, yet vital, aspect of medical practice.

The second part, The Techno-sphere, explores the influence of new technologies on medical and health-related practices. It looks at how these advancements shape identities and decision-making processes in the realms of diagnostics, therapy, and even self-awareness. The chapter titled ‘Being a Little Bit Pregnant’ particularly resonated with me. It highlighted how technology impacts not only our understanding of health but also how we navigate medical uncertainties.

The third section, Health Management, examines how health policies and practices have evolved in response to technical and sociomaterial changes. It covers critical topics like polypharmacy, antibiotic resistance, and the rise of telemedicine, especially in mental health care. The chapter on solo living and cancer in Denmark was especially enlightening for me, as it provided a fascinating look at how social and cultural factors influence health outcomes.

Finally, the book explores Individual and Socially Distributed Emotions. This part focuses on the affective and social dimensions of healthcare, examining the emotional aspects of medical diagnoses, the experience of chronic conditions, and the societal practices related to health, like the growing popularity of fermented foods and their perceived health benefits. It’s a poignant reminder of how deeply emotions and social contexts shape our experiences with health and illness.

Overall, this book offers a broad yet deep exploration of themes that I found particularly relevant to my practice as a psychiatrist. Hope and uncertainty are integral to what I encounter daily in my practise, and this book has broadened my perspective, helping me keep an open mind in an ever-evolving field. I highly recommend this book to all healthcare professionals, and anyone with a genuine interest in the complexities of medicine. This was an impactful and insightful read that will stay with me for a long time.

Thank you to Columbia University Press for sending me a copy of this book.