Tools of the Trade

Tools of the Trade—Poems for New Doctors

Poems for new doctors on privilege, pressure, and humanity

About the Ebook

Being a doctor is a privilege; it is also very demanding and can be stressful, and to be able to look after others, we need to look after ourselves. We offer you this little book of poetry, Tools of the Trade, as a friend to provide inspiration, comfort and support as you begin work.

Tools of the Trade includes poems by poet-doctors Iain Bamforth, Rafael Campo, Glenn Colquhoun, Martin MacIntryre and Gael Turnbull. 

Why You'll Love This Ebook

• Discover poems written for and about new doctors
• Explore the privilege, pressure, and humanity of medicine
• Engage with moving and original poetry
• Read another celebrated title from Polygon - an imprint of Birlinn Ltd

Reviews

'There are wonders in these pages — fifty or so reminders that for all the science in medicine, through all its challenges and rewards, to practise it well remains an art' Gavin Francis

'Profound, wise and bursting with humanity — pure inspiration for doctors old and new' Dr Rachel Clarke, author of Breathtaking

'Like a stethoscope, doctors should have this thoughtful, quietly revealing collection with them at all times' Dr Caroline Elton, author of Also Human: The Inner Lives of Doctors

'Poetry is our songbook, our textbook — here, open it, listen' Dr Sam Guglani, Consultant Oncologist

'A pocket-sized gem of a book' The Herald

About the Author

Professor John Gillies was a general practitioner in rural Scotland. He has been a GP trainer and undergraduate tutor and is currently an Honorary Professor in General Practice at Edinburgh University, senior advisor to the Global Health Academy, and Deputy Director of the Scottish School of Primary Care, a research collaboration.

He helped found the Scottish Medical Humanities network and believes that literature and poetry augment our understanding of medicine and illness and indeed the world at large. Samuel Tongue is Project Co-ordinator at the Scottish Poetry Library. His first pamphlet is Hauling-Out (Eyewear, 2016) and his second, stitch, is forthcoming with Tapsalteerie.

He has published poems in numerous anthologies and magazines. He is currently co-editor of New Writing Scotland and poetry editor at the Glasgow Review of Books.

Lesley Morrison is a retired GP, now writing  and contributing to radio, with a longstanding belief that the humanities can and should be used to cast light on  medical education and practice. She works with medical students at the University of Edinburgh and uses this book as a tool for teaching.

Publication Details

Publisher: Polygon (an imprint of Birlinn Ltd)

Publication Date: 01 May 2025

Print Length: 112 pages (Ebook edition)

ISBN (Ebook): 9781788858083

Format: Ebook

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access my ebook?

Download The Grey Hill App and log in using the same email you used at checkout. Your ebook will appear instantly in your library.

Can I read it online?

Yes — you can also access your purchases via our online reader at reader.thegreyhill.com.

I can't see my ebook — what should I do?

Tap the refresh button in the app or online reader. If it still doesn't appear, ensure you're logged in with the same email used at checkout. If issues continue, contact us and we'll help right away.

Can I gift this ebook?

Yes — you can purchase a Grey Hill Gift Card here: Buy a Gift Card. The recipient can redeem it on our store, and the ebook will appear in The Grey Hill App.