Albany podiatrist authors book, to host book signing event

ALBANY — A surgical podiatrist working at the Veterans Affairs clinic on Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany has a new book out, and is hosting a reception and book signing to help get the word out on the book’s publication and message.

Dr. Simone Josey, author of “More Than Medicine: What They Don’t Teach You in Medical, MA, Nursing, or PA School,” is hosting the reception from 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. on May 16 on the base.

Josey, an Ohio native raised in Jamaica who also hold a master’s degree in Public Health, wrote the book primarily with health care providers in mind to encourage them to remember that practicing medicine is more than achieving a diagnosis.

“(The message) was birthed out of a need in the marketplace,” she said. “After talking to patients day in and day out … they were still (concerned) because they were not getting a good bedside manner.”

Josey said she has had patients tell her that she is the first doctor to actual make physical contact with them.

“Medicine is a tactile profession,” she said. “There has been a breakdown in the customer service aspect. You are not taught that in medical school.

“Medicine is about people. We get so wrapped up in the medicine that we forget (about the social aspect of health care).”

Josey said the book also has some ink devoted to how physician practices can deal with staff issues to improve those kinds of interactions with patients, because every one of them wants to be valued.

“Medicine is a business, so increasing revenue by good patient care and bedside manner … that is how that was birthed,” she said.

Since coming back into the United States, Josey has also practiced in Michigan and in Atlanta — and has seen this as an ongoing issue in both markets.

“The staff, patient issues are the same wherever you go,” she said. “It impacts all of health care.

“(The book) is a health care service manual.”

Josey said the book has gotten a positive response since its release on April 6.

“I have a passion for people and for professional development,” she said. “I’ve gotten tons of positive feedback about the book.”

At the May 16 event, Josey said attendees will have the opportunity to purchase the book and have her sign it, and will be able to take advantage of light hor d’oeuvres, a raffle and a networking opportunity. Anybody from the public can attend, but they are required to RSVP in advance.

For more information, or to RSVP, contact Josey at (513) 205-6363 or email [email protected]. Once a person RSVPs, he or she can get on the list and get specific instructions on where to go once on the base.

Josey also serves as a motivational speaker. For more information on her, visit www.esteemspeaking.weebly.com.