My Epidemic is the true story of an HIV-infected physician who limited his practice to other AIDS patients during the worst years of the epidemic as he cared for approx. 50 patients who died. From the unique perspective of an AIDS doctor and patient, Dr. Faulk shares his thoughts on death, caring and identity. The epilogue compares Covid-19 to HIV and discusses why it was so devastating and what steps we can take so that the next pandemic won't be so deadly and disruptive. My Epidemic fills a gap in the history of AIDS, AIDS patients and HIV caregivers. This is a beautifully-written perspective few would know: an AIDS physician who continued his desperately-needed work in the early, worst years of the epidemic, even though he himself was HIV-positive. Through loving and deeply personal stories, this book paints a vivid picture of the emergence of LGBTQ as a community caring for itself in a world of prejudice and the unbearable silence of an indifferent government. As an AIDS doctor at the dawn of the virus, we walk the halls of the wards with Dr. Faulk where even nurses were too afraid to deliver food to patients, and assisted-suicide "death parties” became commonplace. Some of the stories are grim in their haunting telling, but this book is really about courage, love and an honest look at the human condition, it should be seen as a "new classic.” He shares his thoughts on death, caring and identity. I found I took breaks from reading to absorb his story and insights. Rarely are we offered a chance to have what feels like a deep conversation with an author. Andrew Faulk MD has written an achingly real account of the early days of the AIDS epidemic. From the unique perspective of an AIDS doctor and patient, Dr. Faulk discusses his own nightmares, PTSD, and his own survivor's guilt. Most compelling are his stories of the death of his partner and many friends and patients. In a world where HIV can now be prevented with medication, Dr. Faulk eloquently reminds us of the days when nearly everyone died within months. These stories could only have been told only by an extraordinary physician and a gifted writer.
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ANDREW FAULK, M.D., a native of Seattle, received his B.A. from Columbia University where
Website: https://www.myepidemic.
Facebook: https://www.
Twitter: @AndrewMFaulkMD
First, I want to thank Andrew M. Faulk, M.D.,and Author Marketing Experts for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review
Dr. Andrew M. Faulk is incredibly brave and strong to open up and share his personal story in My Epidemic: An AIDS Memoir of One Man’s Struggle as Doctor, Patient and Survivor Second Edition. This book is educational with lots of information on the subject, personal patient stories, etc. It is a very powerful read.
Treehouse Studios did a fantastic job on the cover design of the book. It was a perfect fit for the theme of the book.
Dr. Faulk would like to thank his husband Frank Jernigan for providing constant support.
He would also like to thank his patients who gave him his trust and intimacy, insight and instruction, they helped him not only help create the manuscript but the man he is today.
My Epidemic Is Dr. Faulk’s very personal story of his experience with AIDS in which he is not only a Dr. but he has been a patient and a survivor. For over 30 years he has been infected with HIV.
Dr. Faulk has written a beautifully written book on a subject he is very passionate about. This book is filled with educational information. Not to mention experiences he and his patients have lived through.
I thought it was commendable that in the book he apologized for not mentioning or being able to assist the Lesiban and straight allies who came to their aid. However, he gave them big praises for all their efforts they gave to this cause.
In this book Dr. Faulk also discusses Covid-19.
Dr. Faulk shares some very personal stories about his life that are very interesting.
There was a story he shared of a patient that had a near death experience at CPMU in California that really got my attention. Here they were trying to save the man’s life and he didn’t want to be saved. What he saw on the other side sounded beautiful and picturesque! I felt bad for the Dr.’s and staff who had to hear the wrath of that patient go off on them.
There was a chapter that touched my heart because it showed how thankful the patient was to the staff at the hospital. How they cared and showed that to the patient meant so much to that one patient that was dying.
Some interesting words of advice Dr. Faulk gives us that we could all use especially this year are several specific phrases that may be used to help achieve clarity and closure with friends and loved ones who are dying. Those are listed in this book.
Dr. Faulk ends with a truly intense and powerful epilogue that brings the past with the present together.
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