Randolph Pherson was walking toward the State Department when he had to stop to catch his breath. He went to see his doctor who told him to go immediately to the Emergency Room. He had been struggling with this condition for five years and had seen 17 specialists but none could give him a diagnosis. The Emergency Room doctor did some tests and twice tried to discharge him. He refused to leave until he got a diagnosis. The doctor relented and two days later he underwent major-and successful-surgery that saved his life. Mr. Pherson is now alive to tell you what he learned over his five-year sojourn and 16 things you can do to spur the medical system to pay attention to your condition. It also includes 18 stories of people that illustrate the power of the lessons learned.