“Understanding the Misunderstood” a book review

[rating=4] Under normal circumstance, I only do book reviews relative to dining and/or theater, with a once in a while book written by someone I have known over the years. This is one of those “off the subject” book reviews. I have known Lili Loni Barsky , M.D. since she was a little girl. In fact Jane and I attended her amazing Bat Mitzvah when we first began dating. Now Lili has joined the medical ranks and from what I understand is also an inventor. Her parents must be smiling over this.

The Barsky household was an extraordinary one as Marla ( her mother) always enjoyed things that were very “artsy”. Her dad, Gary Barsky M.D. is a well known plastic surgeon in the western suburbs. Her brother Zac , inspired her to write this book which is more of a guide or “how to” type of book advising readers how to understand the population they are serving properly and with great care. The title is “Understanding the Misunderstood ( but continues on) in Emergency, Hospital and Outpatient Care for Special Populations”. Truly a mouthful!

The book is an easy read with great charts and stats that are in place to educate those who work with the patients along with their families, who often have no idea what their child or family member is feeling. I found this book one that I learned from. It covers development disabilities, Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and then how it can be handled in an Emergency Room, an inpatient setting at the hospital, an immediate care facility and also gets into the areas of caretakers and guardians.

The book is to the point and if you are one what does have family of friends where these will ease the tensions, you might want to get a copy to read and learn from. The book is published by Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

Dr. Barsky is a board certified physician, patented inventor and writer. She completed her undergrad work at Northwestern University, earning a degree in Biomedical engineering along with a minor in film and media studies. She attended Rush Medical College and did her residency at Bridgeport Hospital in New Haven and chief residency at Amita- Saint Francis Hospital. She is a lifetime member of Mensa. I am proud of what this young lady has become and how she has used her life experiences to reach out and help others who can benefit greatly from her work.