A collection of 25 thought provoking Essays which create a bridge between the Classical personification of values and link them to current training and education in Western Medicine. This readable and erudite text provides a framework for modern clinical values - with a particular emphasis on anesthesiology - set in the context of ageless dilemmas facing each generation of physicians.

Medicine as a profession carries some specific obligations.The qualities of empathy, knowledge, generosity, respect, and scholarship provide a "family" of values that was personified by the Ancients in the family of Asklepios, and which form the basis of professional values today. Moreover, a substantial amount of professional growth should come from reflection based on the experience of caring for real patients - an appreciation of the human condition. Each essay within this beautifully crafted book illustrates the importance of expertise, skill, focus, mindfulness, and collaboration, all of which are integral to professionalism in medicine, and in particular to those working in the field of anesthesiology.

Anesthesiologists, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists and Anesthesia Assistants will find much to enhance their professional understanding within this text. The principles, values and traits of professionalism are relevant to all medical specialties and these essays provide a lyrical understanding of the traits required for professional development.

Robert S. Holzman M.D., M.A. (Hon), FAAP,Senior Associate in Perioperative Anesthesia Boston Children's Hospital, Professor of Anaesthesia Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA

Preface

Introduction: Looking Backward, Looking Forward: The Legacy of Janus

1. Disease: The Nosoi

2. Health and Healing: The Asklepiades

3. Uncertainty: Nyx and Her Children

4. Safety: Soteria

5. The Spirits of Pain and Suffering: The Algea

6. Anesthesia : "A Not- Feeling Pain"

7. Scholarship: Kheiron

8. Skill: Tekhne

9. Beauty and Grace: Kalleis , Aphrodite and Apollo

10. Wisdom: Sophia

11. Strife and Harmony: Eris and Harmonia

12. Fear and Panic: Phobos

13. Love: The Erotes

14. Truth and Lies: Aletheia and Pseudologos

15. Respect: Aidos

16. Justice: Dike

17. Kindliness: Philoprosyne

18. Self-Control: Sophrosyne

19. Consolation: Paregoros

20. Eloquence: Kalliope

21. Effort and Laziness: Hormes and Aergia

22. Victory and Retreat: Nike and Palioxis

23. Law and Order/ Lawlessness, Disorder and Ruin: Nomos and Eunomia/ Dysnomia and Ate

24. Justice and Democracy: Dike and Demokratia

Postface