Book Reviews of Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

Very enjoyable read. The author provides a very honest recap of interesting cases and examines the human condition from both physical and psychological perspectives.

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.

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!

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.

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!

What an interesting, well-written, and thoughtful book. Gawande really has a talent for making the layperson understand the pressure-filled world of surgery.

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.

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.

I great look inside the human side of medicine. Highly recommended.

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.

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.

There are many accounts of true surgical cases.

Very interesting book written by a surgical resident about the imperfect science of medicine.

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.

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.

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.

Excellent, compelling and informative, full of cool medical details and a look at the very human and tentative nature of medical science.

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.

<< Back to Book Details of " Complications A Surgeons Notes on an Imperfect Science"