The Doctor Stories collects thirteen of Williams's stories (direct
accounts of his experiences as a doctor), six related poems, and a
chapter from his autobiography that connects the world of medicine and
writing, as well as a new preface by Atul Gawande, an introduction by
Robert Coles (who put the book together), and a final note by Williams's
son (also a doctor), about his famous father. The writings are
remarkably direct and freshly true. As Atul Gawande notes, "Reading
these tales, you find yourself in a conversation with Williams about who
people really are--who you really are. Williams recognized that, caring
for the people of his city, he had a front-row seat to the human
condition. His writing makes us see it and hear it and grapple with it
in all its complexities. That is his lasting gift."