I believe in black holes. I believe that as the universe empties into nothingness, past and future will smack together in the last swirl around the drain.

I'm a great believer in geography being destiny.

By visiting patients in their home, by helping them come to terms with their illness, I could heal when I could not cure.

Another day in paradise' was his inevitable pronouncement when he settled his head on his pillow. Now I understand what that meant: the uneventful day was a precious gift.

It was all I had, all I've ever had, the only currency, the only proof that I was alive. Memory.

The bottom line: health care reform is about the patient, not about the physician.

Patients know in a heartbeat if they're getting a clumsy exam.