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Yukon, Oklahoma Apr 28, 2025 – Dr. Steven Drabek’s memoir, “The Comfortologist: A Physician’s Empathetic Perspective on Compassion, Caring, and Pain Relief,” has topped bestseller lists, deeply impacting healthcare professionals, chronic pain sufferers, and families making end-of-life decisions.
Based on his 40-year career and his personal battles as a cancer survivor and chronic pain patient, Dr. Drabek provides a unique perspective, leading to his recognition as a “comfortologist” – a term he created to define his patient-centered approach that emphasizes comfort and dignity.
“My dual experience as a physician and a patient has shown me that modern medicine frequently overlooks the most important aspects,” Dr. Drabek states. “Empathy is just as important as technical skill. We need to treat the patient holistically, not just their symptoms.”
Dr. Drabek, board-certified in both Family Medicine and Hospice/Palliative Medicine, overcame esophageal cancer at the age of 30 and has personally managed chronic pain since 1996. These experiences significantly changed his patient care methods, especially for those facing terminal illnesses or chronic pain.
The book offers valuable insights for:
- Healthcare professionals aiming to provide more compassionate care
- Chronic pain patients who feel misunderstood by conventional medical treatments
- Families and caregivers dealing with difficult end-of-life choices
Dr. Drabek’s career boasts many awards, including the Friend of Nursing Award from the Oklahoma Nurses Association, the Humanitarian Award from his local Chamber of Commerce in 2005, and the 2007 Family Physician of the Year award from the Oklahoma Academy of Family Physicians.
Although semi-retired since 2023, Dr. Drabek is still involved in hospice and palliative medicine in Oklahoma. He lives in Yukon with his wife, Karen, and continues to promote a more compassionate approach to healthcare through his writing and medical practice.
“The Comfortologist” is available on Amazon ().
About Dr. Steven Drabek
Dr. Steven Drabek has dedicated over four decades to the field of medicine, specializing in Hospice and Palliative care with a focus on chronic pain management. His early work, “The Incredible Smile,” was published in the Oklahoma State Medical Association Journal in 1984, marking the start of his advocacy for improved end-of-life care. His passion lies in managing hospice and symptoms through comprehensive assessment and compassionate communication, emphasizing patient autonomy and personal choice to help them establish achievable care goals.
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