The Imaginary Patient – HYBRID event

Have you, a family member or friend ever had a medical diagnosis that just doesn’t seem right? Former consultant neurologist Dr Jules Montague will explain why this has happened throughout history – and is still happening today.

A diagnosis is supposed to offer certainty and help with recovery from illness or management of a condition. But what if there is doctor’s bias, Big Pharma influence, or even police intervention? What if the patient is refused a diagnosis for a condition not recognised by the establishment?

As a consultant neurologist, Dr Jules Montague saw the relief a diagnosis could bring, but also its limitations. In her eye-opening and humane new book, The Imaginary Patient, she meets with the patients and families who have had their lives turned upside down by a diagnosis they never deserved.

She speaks to parents fighting for recognition of their children’s symptoms; men and women whose bodies have been stigmatised by society; and to the families of young black men who are being diagnosed posthumously with a condition that could exonerate their killers.

Through these stories of heartbreak and resilience, Montague shines a light on the troubled state of diagnosis, and asks how we might begin to heal.

Daily Telegraph ‘Book of the Year’

‘[It] made me think…about what could be and has been influencing diagnosis’ Emma Barnett, BBC Women’s Hour

‘Nobody who reads it will experience a doctor’s appointment the same way again’ Caroline Crampton, author of The Way to the Sea

“A compelling basis for change… A richly researched book that provides ample food for thought and ammunition for change in the way diagnosis is done.” Medical Journalists’ Association

Jules Montague is a former consultant neurologist, and the author of Lost and Found: Why Losing Our Memories Doesn’t Mean Losing Ourselves (2018). She writes about health and science for the BBC, Lancet, Guardian and Observer. She has spoken at TEDx London and appeared on BBC Radio 4 and Sky News.

View her TEDx talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xKQFbohe4g

 

HYBRID EVENT – this is a Hybrid event, which can be attended in person at the venue or accessed online. Simply select General Admission or e-ticket at checkout, and a link for online access will be sent to you the day before the event takes place.

Access and Covid safety measures: if you have specific access needs or queries and/or prefer to be seated away from other audience members as a Covid safety measure, please contact our Admin at: [email protected] with your request.

Event Date: Saturday 25 March

Time: 12pm-1pm

Venue: Cellar Theatre, Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen Street, Huddersfield HD1 2SP

Tickets: Free, donations welcome (booking essential for online)

Age guidance: 12+ (U16s should be accompanied by an adult)

Access Guide: https://www.accessable.co.uk/huddersfield-literature-festival/access-guides/Cellar-Theatre

Access and Covid safety measures: if you have specific access needs or queries and/or prefer to be seated away from other audience members as a Covid safety measure, please contact our Admin at: [email protected] with your request.

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