Time to Heal

“Dixon’s passion for the role of a family doctor in ‘healing’ the pain and suffering of others shines through via colorful, moving tales of caring for patients and families within the context of the local community. He brings out the magic of general practice, underpinned by the trusted bond between doctor and patient, but also shows how this has been eroded over successive political and organizational changes within the NHS. This honest and heartfelt account ends with an impassioned plea to resurrect the quintessential values of the GP within a modern context and in turn ‘restoring humanity to medicine.’” – Chaand Nagpaul CBE, chair, Council of the British Medical Association “A wonderful book, full of fascinating, engaging, and timely stories. Dixon reminds us of the importance of human medicine and the way in which communities can create health. He concludes with a new vision for health which blends the best of the past with the latest technology and science-and which will help us cope better with future pandemics.” – Lord Nigel Crisp, former chief executive and permanent secretary at the UK Department of Health “A fascinating look into life as a village doctor, with observations so profound it seamlessly becomes a thesis on humanity as a species. The local GP, not only a potential lifesaver but also a constant and friend in these ever-changing, isolated times, has never been more needed. A beautiful and moving book.” – Lady Sophie Windsor (nee Winkelman), actress “Time to Heal describes very human stories-entertaining, thought provoking, and eminently readable, whilst woven through the text is the insight that general practice is the human face of medicine.” – Sir Denis Pereira Gray, former chair and president, Royal College of General Practitioners “Captures the art of the possible by demonstrating that when the focus of our doctors is working with communities to define health priorities and solutions to health problems, we tap into local skills and expertise that surpass the realms of medicine and science and define care that is right for the people.” – Dame Donna Kinnair, chief executive, Royal College of Nursing

Michael Dixon has been a country general practitioner in Cullompton, Devon for thirty-five years. His experiences during these years have taken him from being a conventional family doctor to having an increasing interest in complementary medicine and social prescribing, all influenced by his patients’ colourful stories. He has written extensively on medicine and the health service and was previously President of the Guild of Health Writers and the health columnist for SHE magazine. Today, in his late 60s, he continues as a part-time GP and is Chair of the College of Medicine, Visiting Professor at University College London and Health Advisor to HRH The Prince of Wales.