The Anatomy of a Calling: A Doctor's Journey from the Head to the Heart and a Prescription for Finding Your Life's Purpose Hardcover – December 29, 2015

I was prepared to not like this book. It's not that I don't like Lissa Rankin. In fact, I have adored reading her last two books, and I am profoundly impressed with the changes that she is attempting to make in how the practice of medicine is conducted with patients in the United States (and eventually the whole world), leading to both healthier and happier patients AND doctors. No, the reason I was prepared to not like this book was because I had some kind of preconception that she had already said everything she had to say in the last two books. That in some way ... reminiscent of the music business ... she was a "one hit wonder" or maybe a "two hit wonder". But certainly not someone who had not yet hit her stride in writing. And boy, was I ever WRONG. Even though, as I said, I adored the last two books ("Mind Over Medicine" and "The Fear Cure"), this new book ("The Anatomy of a Calling") is just brilliant, and possibly her best book yet. It successfully combines a truly tear-provoking account of the rawness of her own journey of coming-into-her-own-power, while at the same time blending it wonderfully with the mythic hero's journey as espoused by Joseph Campbell and others. And what I think I might appreciate the most about this book, is that it is profoundly "humble". This is not a story about a woman who is trying to grab the title of "hero" or "heroine" for herself. On the contrary, Lissa Rankin makes it clear that most heroes don't even consider themselves heroic (reminds me of Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger and that landing in the Hudson River in 2009), but instead project profound humility while working their way through the immense challenges with which they are faced. And that's exactly what happens here. Much of the time, Lissa Rankin is justifiably terrified by the immensity of what she is going through, and she struggles just to keep going. But keep going she does, with courage and guts, and has ended up not only accomplishing great things, but also giving us a wonderful read. This is one of those excellent books about someone else ... like "lives of the saints" or superbly written biographies ... that can give us a roadmap for living our own lives. I strongly urge you to get this book and read it. The story itself is fascinating, and the style of writing is superb, but you are also going to come away with a slew of new ideas on how to improve the quality of your own life.

From the moment I picked up this book, I was captivated and couldn't put it down. I was literally reading pages in between taking dishes out of my dishwasher. Lissa writes so beautifully, but also talks about how scary yet amazing the journey of following your dreams can be. After reading this book I felt realistically courageous and empowered to truly commit to my dreams. I can't recommend it highly enough to anyone who feels they are being nudged off the beaten path and pulled by the Universe to do something bigger with their lives.

I have just finished reading your book. My heart and sense of adventure is bursting. I have a dozen sticky notes marking pages that need to be re-visited and names if books written down that I need to read to assist with my journey. Thank you Lissa for showing us, your big, ugly tail and I will endeavour to show off mine as well. I am honoured to be part of your Karass and from Australia I will stand shoulder to shoulder in United Oneness (as you describe) to change the World. Of the hundreds of "Spiritual Self Help" books that have impacted my life, The Anatomy of a Calling is my guide to push forward on my Hero's Journey, I know now that I am never alone. Bless You from every molecule and atom of my being. If you by ONE book this year, make it this one! Cobby Vines

This was a fascinating account of what it's like to be a doctor and the toll it takes on a person -- body, mind and soul. It's interesting she references PTSD in relation to her experience surviving the traumas she experienced in the hospital. I hadn't thought of that before, but it makes sense: the deaths, the near-deaths, the constant blocking of feeling in order to function at a high level, and sometimes even the workplace abuse suffered.When she quits her doctor job, the pain she blocked comes in the form of physical pain. She doesn't mention emotional release. I would have been interested to know if she had bouts of anger, rage and grief after all those years of med school, internship, doctoring and trauma.I loved hearing about Esalen in CA. I'd heard of it and got a detailed account of what it might be like to stay there and attend seminars. Her experience at the energy vortex there was fascinating. I also loved hearing the different ways of healing she looked into as time when by, like shamanism. And some of the questions in the questionnaire she gave her patients when she hooked up with a clinic later on, including: What is your body saying no to? and What does your body need to heal? Very interesting.It's cool how she gets back in touch with the little girl she once was who wanted to be a healer. Inspiring.She's a very good writer and if she were in my neck of the woods, I'd sure try to get her as my doctor.

This book is one of the best books I've ever read, it's the perfect reading if you're feeling out of touch with your true self and the universe. It's highly inspirational and it sparks the light within you to get in touch with what feeds your soul and to to reclaim that missing connection we often feel towards the universe and other beings.

Lissa Rankin shares her personal journey from being a doctor to a healer in this profoundly moving book. The book is intensely gripping from beginning to end as Lissa takes us through the pain, conflict and suffering she undergoes as a practising gynaecologist and the transition to being a healer. It is a book that makes you ponder, introspect and reflect on your life's purpose - food for the soul.

This is one of the best books I've personally ever read.Her honesty and openness resonates with our own ego's in a way that I've never read or understood before.I love the way it's been written and was easy to read.I have truely taken alot from this book and know that it will continue to inspire me for years to come!

This story of one woman's struggle to find her way and her own true voice is an inspiration. I loved sharing Lissa's journey and hope that I find the necessary courage to embark on my own in the not too distant future. Your story also made me think a lot about acceptance and the power and strength that comes from not fighting against things we cannot control. Thank you for sharing this with us.

An excellent read. I love how honest the story is... taking you into the emotional life of what it is to be a doctor. It really made me think about the life doctors live and the effects it has on them. I love how she realizes her calling and follows where it leads. Life is such an amazing journey.