In First Do No Harm: A Physician’s Burnout and Mental Health Survival Guide from Medical School to Retirement, I’ll share parts of my father’s life to highlight potential events that contributed to his death. Additionally, for those of you who are medical providers, I will make recommendations to help you safeguard your mental and physical health as you practice. Finally, I’ll offer insights for those who love someone working in the medical field, so you can look for potential warning signs. 
As you read, you may see yourself in some of these situations or recognize traits of someone you know or love. Or you may be reading this because you’re entering medical school or considering a role in medicine, and you want to know the ins and outs of protecting your mental health before it becomes a crisis. My hope is that any connections you make to the book’s content will help you seek guidance or assist others in finding healing. 
—Katherine E. Twombley, M.D.