In conversation: Dr. Philip Hébert | Porridge for Parkinson's

Author & Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto

Dr. Philip Hébert is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto. He has lectured and presented extensively on topics related to bioethics. He is the author of Doing Right: A Practical Guide to Ethics and Good Medicine: The Art of Ethical Care in Canada and is also the author of Good Medicine: The Art of Ethical Care in Canada. Philip has an undergraduate degree and PhD in Philosophy from Queens University and had an active practice in Family Medicine until his retirement from clinical medicine a few years ago.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself. You are an MD and a published author. It would be interesting to know about your early career.

I came to medicine late—I started medical school when I was 28. I had done a BA and MA and was working on my PhD in philosophy when I realized I did not want to be a philosophy professor. At the suggestion of one of my profs, I applied to medical school thinking I had little hope of getting in—I hadn’t taken any science courses since 1970 and had not taken the MCAT. Several friends who were in medicine tried to dissuade me from applying. I decided to anyway and lo & behold I was accepted. Getting that acceptance letter was one of the happiest days of my life!

I met with the dean of medical students (Dr L) and he recommended I take a delayed enrolment of one year to complete my PhD. (He said I would never regret getting my PhD and he was right.) In the meantime I was busy. Besides finishing my PhD dissertation at York University, that year was a flurry of science courses at U of T—chemistry, organic chemistry, physics. Somehow I did well on the MCATS too. I completed my PhD in 1983 and my MD in 1984.

What led you into publishing on medical ethics?

My interest in ethics came naturally out of my work in philosophy. Having friends in medicine I knew all was not right with the profession. I also read some books that heightened my sensitivity to ethical issues: Lying by Sissela Bok, The Long Dying of Baby Andrew by Peggy and Robert Stinson, and Is There No Place on Earth For Me by Susan Sheehan. There was little that was taught well—if taught at all—about ethics in medical school. If it was taught, it was very legalistic and encouraged prudence rather than the rights of patients.

Describe your journey with Parkinson’s.

I was diagnosed at 45, but I had symptoms for ten years before that. I was shocked by the diagnosis, knowing it was incurable and would be debilitating at some point. I got some solace from the fact that there were medications that could help. My neurologist thought he was being reassuring in telling me there are good desk jobs in medicine.

How did being a medical professional affect you as a patient?

I was in denial about my condition for the longest period—it took me five years to tell my sibs about it and even longer to tell my patients. I didn’t want to be on the side of “the other”. That didn’t stop me from seeking my own medical consultations. I knew what was coming and tried to ignore my symptoms as long as I could. It did affect how I saw my patients and made me more aware of the limits of medicine.

What things could improve the lives of patients and their caregivers?

I have few financial restrictions in terms of walking devices, physio, and OT, but I am sure many people do. They could benefit from increased social attention to this illness and related conditions. Obviously, any improvements in the way of more definitive treatment for PD would be welcome!

We are very grateful for your ongoing support of Porridge for Parkinson’s. In 2022 we are again planning a delivered brunch with a live event in 2023. Do you have any advice for the committee?

Make sure the place is easily accessible—no stairs, ample chairs to sit in, and tables for eating.

We will. Thank you!

Author & Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto

Dr. Philip Hébert Philip is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto. He had an active practice in Family Medicine until his retirement from clinical medicine a few years ago. He has an undergraduate degree and PhD in Philosophy from Queens University. He has solo-authored previous editions of Doing Right and has lectured and presented extensively on topics related to bioethics. He is also the author of Doing Right: A Practical Guide to Ethics and Good Medicine: The Art of Ethical Care in Canada.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself. You are an MD and a published author. It would be interesting to know about your early career.

I came to medicine late—I started medical school when I was 28. I had done a BA and MA and was working on my PhD in philosophy when I realized I did not want to be a philosophy professor. At the suggestion of one of my profs, I applied to medical school thinking I had little hope of getting in—I hadn’t taken any science courses since 1970 and had not taken the MCAT. Several friends who were in medicine tried to dissuade me from applying. I decided to anyway and lo & behold I was accepted. Getting that acceptance letter was one of the happiest days of my life!

I met with the dean of medical students (Dr L) and he recommended I take a delayed enrolment of one year to complete my PhD. (He said I would never regret getting my PhD and he was right.) In the meantime I was busy. Besides finishing my PhD dissertation at York University, that year was a flurry of science courses at U of T—chemistry, organic chemistry, physics. Somehow I did well on the MCATS too. I completed my PhD in 1983 and my MD in 1984.

What led you into publishing on medical ethics?

My interest in ethics came naturally out of my work in philosophy. Having friends in medicine I knew all was not right with the profession. I also read some books that heightened my sensitivity to ethical issues: Lying by Sissela Bok, The Long Dying of Baby Andrew by Peggy and Robert Stinson, and Is There No Place on Earth For Me by Susan Sheehan. There was little that was taught well—if taught at all—about ethics in medical school. If it was taught, it was very legalistic and encouraged prudence rather than the rights of patients.

Describe your journey with Parkinson’s.

I was diagnosed at 45, but I had symptoms for ten years before that. I was shocked by the diagnosis, knowing it was incurable and would be debilitating at some point. I got some solace from the fact that there were medications that could help. My neurologist thought he was being reassuring in telling me there are good desk jobs in medicine.

How did being a medical professional affect you as a patient?

I was in denial about my condition for the longest period—it took me five years to tell my sibs about it and even longer to tell my patients. I didn’t want to be on the side of “the other”. That didn’t stop me from seeking my own medical consultations. I knew what was coming and tried to ignore my symptoms as long as I could. It did affect how I saw my patients and made me more aware of the limits of medicine.

What things could improve the lives of patients and their caregivers?

I have few financial restrictions in terms of walking devices, physio, and OT, but I am sure many people do. They could benefit from increased social attention to this illness and related conditions. Obviously, any improvements in the way of more definitive treatment for PD would be welcome!

We are very grateful for your ongoing support of Porridge for Parkinson’s. In 2022 we are again planning a delivered brunch with a live event in 2023. Do you have any advice for the committee?

Make sure the place is easily accessible—no stairs, ample chairs to sit in, and tables for eating.

We will. Thank you!

Images courtesy of Philip Hébert and Porridge for Parkinson’s.