The idea for the book came from a teaching stint in the Physician Assistant program at Mountain State University in Beckley, where Dr. Kirk and Ms. Weisbrod developed and co-presented a course entitled "Psychosocial Aspects of Medicine." While teaching the course from 1992-1997, they had to develop all the teaching materials and student handouts, because there was no suitable textbook. After they had taught the course for five years, Kay Ericson, the director of the program suggested that they create THE textbook for the topic.

"It took almost four years, many hours of research, and stiff shoulders and necks from days spent writing at the computer," noted Kirk. He did most of the research and writing, while Weisbrod contributed the patient profiles from her many years as a mental health counselor. Ericson, PA-C, the third author checked everything for medical accuracy.

"We wrote the book with a sense of mission, " said Weisbrod. "We feel it is important for health care providers to pay attention to the patient in his or her psychosocial context, rather than just looking at symptoms." Kirk and Weisbrod have been asked to teach some of the topics in the book at the WV School of Osteopathic Medicine. The attractive 304 page book is oriented to be a teaching tool in training programs for health care providers of all types from physicians, physician assistants, nurses, to various rehabilitation therapists.

"Another goal was to provide a practical guide for practicing health care providers on how to handle patients with challenging problems, such as cultural clashes of values, domestic violence, or child abuse," Kirk explained. Aside from their teaching at GCCC, both authors are busy in other endeavors. Kirk has been active as a trainer/educator, psychotherapist, and medical social worker. With a PhD and two Master's degrees he has taught at various universities ranging from UCLA, the University oTexas, Texas Women's University, and West Virginia University.

Weisbrod is a psychotherapist in private practice in Lewisburg. With an MA and a teaching credential from UCLA, she has taught at the high school level, as well as at the University of Maryland, and George Washington University. Dr. Kirk and his wife first met in a speech class at UCLA in 1962.

Sample chapters of the book can be seen at www.lww.coni/promo/kirk

October 18, 2002