What defines an excellent doctor? He or she must certainly have a wealth of scientific knowledge and practical experience - but is that enough?

Dr Claudia Welch explores how the effectiveness of a physician extends far beyond the ability to prescribe correct treatments, identifying how to enhance the efficacy of medicine using four core doctoring principals: theoretical knowledge, practical experience, dexterity and 'purity'.

Drawing on ancient Eastern medical traditions, modern Western science and her own experience, Dr Welch examines how we know what we know, the mechanics of doctor-patient emotional contagion, and the degree to which a patient's sensory experience in a medical office affects their experience of treatments delivered. She also offers practical steps to cultivating more refined perceptive abilities and improving results.

Dr Welch's book will be essential reading for all healthcare practitioners interested in understanding how to enhance the therapeutic outcomes of their practice, including doctors of Ayurveda, Chinese medicine and Naturopathy, as well as Western medical professionals and other complementary health practitioners.