Wednesday, July 13, 2005
book thirty-two
Walk on Water: Inside an Elite Pediatric Surgical Unit
by Michael Ruhlman
The author of this book specializes in writing about people who are masters of their craft. Subjects of his previous books include builders of wooden boats and world-class chefs. I was prepared to be a little let down since the writer is not a medical professional, but I wasn't disappointed at all.
The book follows the practice of a renowned pediatric heart surgeon in a clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. Along the way, we learn a great deal about the history of heart surgery and the differences between congenital (birth defect) heart disease and acquired heart disease. I had never considered this before, but apparently doctors and hospital units who concentrate solely on congenital heart surgery have much more success that doctors who do both congenital and acquired.
The descriptions of the actual surgeries were quite technical - I was able to follow along because I've had classes in anatomy and physiology, but I imagine that a reader who didn't have an background in the subject would be completely lost.
The title refers to the giant-size egos that most cardiac surgeons reportedly have. After reading about what they do - holding life and death in their hands every day - I think perhaps they deserve to have high self-opinions!
Fascinating read.
by Michael Ruhlman
The author of this book specializes in writing about people who are masters of their craft. Subjects of his previous books include builders of wooden boats and world-class chefs. I was prepared to be a little let down since the writer is not a medical professional, but I wasn't disappointed at all.
The book follows the practice of a renowned pediatric heart surgeon in a clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. Along the way, we learn a great deal about the history of heart surgery and the differences between congenital (birth defect) heart disease and acquired heart disease. I had never considered this before, but apparently doctors and hospital units who concentrate solely on congenital heart surgery have much more success that doctors who do both congenital and acquired.
The descriptions of the actual surgeries were quite technical - I was able to follow along because I've had classes in anatomy and physiology, but I imagine that a reader who didn't have an background in the subject would be completely lost.
The title refers to the giant-size egos that most cardiac surgeons reportedly have. After reading about what they do - holding life and death in their hands every day - I think perhaps they deserve to have high self-opinions!
Fascinating read.
Labels: book reports, medical
