It is highly unlikely that you will find any other medical text recommended on this platform. That is not, as one might assume, due to the unique and niche role that this text fills for the field of eating disorder work, but rather, because the ease with which it can be understood sets it apart from the vast majority of other texts of this caliber.
Sick Enough, is of critical value to any practicing medical professional. Regardless of specialty, at some point, there will be an interaction with a patient that either counters weight bias and the varying stigmas that minimize and/or perpetuate eating disorders, or there will be a missed opportunity that quietly lays root to harm. If those stakes feel high for medical practitioners, they should.
Luckily, in addition to various medical interventions, the book is capped with a number of actions that can be taken by providers and loved ones alike so as not to be paralyzed in the face of concern. This book will leave every reader armed with knowledge and grace to feel capable in the critical role of support.
Dr. Gaudiani is as adept at capturing and distilling medical nuances as she is with broadly addressing a multitude of social issues that not only impact this population, but the vast entirety of our diverse and complex culture. Sadly, I find it as rare in the medical community as I do refreshing, how Dr. Gaudiani languages issues pertaining to the social oppressions that so many patients face. Her unique approach to zoom out far beyond the physical human body and into the social realms and constructs impacting each individual, truly exemplifies whole person care.
Anyone who is a provider, despite efforts to be as non-hierarchical as we can, is in a position of power. Dr. Gaudiani tackles this truth with deep humility and powerful dedication towards her role as a pioneer in the medical field for truly doing no harm on a much more influential level.
This book is as critical for the education of providers and supports as it is for the validation of those living with eating disorders.