William B. (Acknud) reviewed Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science on + 82 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
As a physician myself I found this a fascinating read. The anecdotes are dead on and the philosophical explanations behind his reasonings make one think. Medicine is an imperfect science. I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in medicine or an interest in trying to understand how doctors think.
Lorenda C. (lorenda) reviewed Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
I really enjoyed this book. The author does an excellent job of laying the science of medicine out on the table and frankly discussing its shortfalls. There are so many interesting stories, and half of them I've seen on the hit show "Gray's Anatomy" (or is it Grey's?). In any case, this was a very good read.
Helpful Score: 5
Should be mandatory reading for anyone who is a patient. Incredible and horrifying some of the things you'll realize. Explained a lot of why some of the doctors Ive been to in the past were so ignorant and uncooperative. (p 210-211)
Helpful Score: 3
Dr. Gawande is a great storyteller. He carries you through complex medical situations and keeps you interested as he weaves personal anecdotes with sage advice on how to better the practice of medicine.
Helpful Score: 3
Quite frankly, I found this book difficult to put down. Gawande is an excellent writer and the subject is fascinating. It was a thought provoking book as well as an eye opener. How doctors make the decisions they do and arrive at their conclusions is something we all need to know more about. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in medicine, has been a patient, will be a patient or knows someone who may someday be a patient. It is a cautionary tale that both reminds us of the limits of medicine as well as some of the remarkable things that can be done.
Shannon D. (claudmik) -
Helpful Score: 3
Extremely well written. I was intrigued by the content. The stories were very interesting. The book gave me a different view of how I look at doctors. They are human and can and do make mistakes. I plan to share this book with family and friends.
Mary S. (MaryMary) -
Helpful Score: 3
This was a very interesting book. The author was very honest in his writing about patients and the trials of being a new doctor. I read this book on a 4 hour flight to Las Vegas!
Helpful Score: 2
I love Gawande's honesty about the struggles in medicine. He writes in a fascinating way that draws you in, even if you don't generally care for "medical" books. He gives you ideas to ponder--and to discuss with others. Terrific book!
Jennifer J. (vampsita) -
Helpful Score: 2
This book serves as a reminder that doctors are just as human as their patients, and just as capable of becoming emotionally involved in their cases. I'm reminded that life is precious and that we should be thankful for every minute we're given.
Cindy S. reviewed Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science on + 25 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Not always easy to read, but brings a touch of humanity to the medical world, which is much needed. It reinforces the need for all to be as informed as possible about our health issues to be both advocates for ourselves and active partners in our care.
Rosemary F. (canadianeh) reviewed Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science on + 242 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Doctor's are no longer gods who walk on water, but human beings who go through the same emotions as others, despite their years of training. Here are the experiences of a surgeon, his difficulties, frustrations, successes and observations from day to day. It will open your eyes, if you haven't already been there, to what is routinely happening while you are lying there on the table under the operating lights. The style is not at all clinical, but intensely readable and revelationary. Very highly recommended.
Ellen K. (airangel) -
Helpful Score: 2
Very good and at times scary book to read. It went fast as each little chapter tells a complete story. Gives you a lot of food for thought and an insight into the world of medicine from a doctor's point of view.
Kathleen M. (rdrkm) reviewed Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science on + 29 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Very enjoyable read. The author provides a very honest recap of interesting cases and examines the human condition from both physical and psychological perspectives.
Helpful Score: 1
Thoughtful, introspective writing and stories that define the characters in such a way as to make one feel as if they could be a relative, a friend or someone you could know. The author makes you keenly aware of the frailties of life, the reality of human error, and the underlying struggle to improve healthcare despite frequent and pervasive pressure to keep costs down and workloads under control by just giving the minimum of what's necessary in terms of care. A superb book that should be required reading for everyone who dreams of "doing good" in medicine.
C.T. M. (sirius-mama) -
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent book regarding the US healthcare system in general. He comments on the need for changes without getting caught up in politics. He keeps the prose intelligent but accessible to non-surgeons. His case studies are totally engaging. He asks thoughtful and valid questions, then explores a variety of possible answers. There are no pat solutions here, but many openings for further thought or personal action. I especially appreciated his willingness to admit when he himself was imperfect. He seems quite patient-focused and has some innovative suggestions for system changes.
Ronda B. (froglet) reviewed Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science on + 40 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Very interesting read. Everyone should read this book if there is any chance that they would ever be a patient - that means everyone. It helps you understand that doctors are human and have all the falibilities that everyone else has. Doctors can make mistakes just like everyone else, unfortunately, those mistakes can have serious consequences. The scariest part of the book is when he talks about how bad doctors are a policing other doctors who are making serious mistakes on a routine basis. This has always been the serious downside of medicine and no one has come up with a solution to this problem yet. The stories he tells are very interesting.
Tish O. (tish) -
Helpful Score: 1
this is ia very honest book about surgeons and hospitals. being a nurse for many years i know. if it would upset you to hear the truth then don not read this book. the author was very brave to write this.
Melody B. (5ducksfans) reviewed Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science on + 92 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
What an interesting, well-written, and thoughtful book. Gawande really has a talent for making the layperson understand the pressure-filled world of surgery.
Michelle B. (sdshellybean) reviewed Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science on + 51 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Fascinating look into the role of uncertainty, human fallibility, and intuition in medicine. Plenty of interesting case studies, though the last chapter's case might a bit much for the squeamish.
Michelle N. (DaisyaDay) reviewed Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A fascinating inside look at not only the training, work, and world of the surgeon, but a frank discussion of common, human fears within the field.
Helpful Score: 1
I great look inside the human side of medicine. Highly recommended.
Christine O. (crissyreader) reviewed Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science on + 275 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is an amazing book from an intern about health care and the training one receives becoming a doctor. Do you ever wonder if a procedure you have in a hospital is being administered by an intern for the first time? Hear the intern's side of the story!
Very interesting glimpse into the daily lives and thoughts of a surgeon as he treats patients and interacts with his peers. Well written and informative.
Richard S. reviewed Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science on + 13 more book reviews
Excellent, compelling and informative, full of cool medical details and a look at the very human and tentative nature of medical science.
Renee B. (renb) reviewed Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science on + 20 more book reviews
A technical book that provides the reader with the perspective of those that provide medical treatment. Not a book you would likely read prior to going into the hospital for surgery, but interesting nonetheless.
Brenda W. (brendao) reviewed Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science on + 351 more book reviews
Lots of details about surgery and the conflicts and joys of the surgeon as winner and loser. Shows both the powers and the limits of medicine.
lovtoride-n-read reviewed Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science on + 5 more book reviews
Gawande has written a book that captures so much of the uncertainty and the imperfection of modern medicine. He does it in a personal, conversational style. Thoroughly enjoyable and thought provoking!
Nancy K. (NancyInWI) -
Very interesting book written by a surgical resident about the imperfect science of medicine.
Rachel B. (travnray) reviewed Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science on + 182 more book reviews
So Good! I loved this book. There are a handful of gory stories that made my stomach flip flop, but being married to a doctor, it reinforced some of my husbands' feelings on several of the same issues. Doctors are human beings, not Gods. They have their bad days, too. It is frustrating for them as well to not be able to find a miracle to help people get better.
It was a really great read. I'd recommend it to anyone.
It was a really great read. I'd recommend it to anyone.
Pointed and insightful ... a little unsure of his audience at times, but his drive and desire for honesty usually burn through that to get at something more immediate.
Sue S. (Kasue) reviewed Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science on + 18 more book reviews
A surgeon's look at the fascinating complexities and complications of modern medicine, using actual cases as his examples. A finalist for the National Book Award.
Barbara P. reviewed Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science on + 9 more book reviews
There are many accounts of true surgical cases.
