Looking Within

Understanding Ourselves through Human Imaging

What would it be like to have x-ray vision?

Beyond diagnosing illness or injury, can images of ourselves tell us more about life?

What if you could see that an accident victim will never walk again; that a young mother has breast cancer; or that a teenager is brain-dead and will be removed from life support? Can imaging help us better appreciate the complexity of existence, our strengths and vulnerabilities? Does looking into the body give insight into what it means to be human? Would it allow you, at least indirectly, to glimpse evidence of the human soul?

Looking Within is the first mainstream collection of dramatic non-fiction narratives about discoveries in patients found by medical imaging. Ruff highlights the wonder and mystery of the human body, literally and metaphorically looking inside of others. Each story describes a patient in whom a life-changing discovery is made: tumors, stroke, domestic violence, substance abuse, sterility, unexpected pregnancy, infection, surgical complications, evidence of criminal activity, mental illness, even impending death. Dr. Ruff’s words, images, and insights help us see ourselves like never before.

Awards, Reviews, and Coverage

“A memorable voyage into the mysteries of medicine. The precision of a scientific mind, and the compassion of a true healer.” –Bob Rosen, best-selling author of Conscious, Grounded, Leading People, Global Literacies, and The Healthy Company 

“Dr. Cullen Ruff illuminates the breadth and power of medical imaging as a diagnostic tool and goes beyond that to help us experience its beauty and poignancy, bringing the field, and the reader, out of the dark.” –Carolyn Jourdan, Wall Street Journal best-selling memoirist, biographer, and mystery writer.

“Dr. Cullen Ruff sees through the images on the screen to the profound human stories they tell. Compelling, compassionate, honest, and wise.” –Frank Huyler MD, author of The Blood of Strangers, The Laws of Invisible Things, and Right of Thirst

“A must read for patients and physicians alike.” – Susan Ascher MD, professor, Georgetown University School of Medicine