As the Affordable Care Act comes back into focus over the next few months, it's worth remembering that the real nitty gritty of health care takes place in doctors' offices and hospitals, among real people with real needs. In his new book, "12 Patients," Dr. Eric Manheimer chronicles the health care experiences of various patients, from a Vietnam war vet to a child in foster care.

Dr. Eric Manheimer, the former Medical Director of Bellevue Hospital, discusses his memoir,Twelve Patients: Life and Death at Bellevue Hospital, which tells the stories of very different patients-from a UN dignitary to a prisoner from Riker's Island, from illegal immigrants and Wall Street tycoons. He also discusses his own cancer diagnosis and facing his own illness and possible death while he struggles to save the lives of others.