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Social distancing during the pandemic brings challenges. Yet, it also brings unexpected joys. For me, one of these joys has been the extra time I can spend reading books.
Last month, I shared two books I’ve enjoyed reading during the pandemic. Today I’m highlighting two more that I believe you, my readers, will find helpful.
The same man wrote both books. Besides serving as a surgeon, university professor, and researcher, Dr. Atul Gawande has authored more than a dozen books. If his name sounds familiar, it’s probably because you saw Dr. Gawande on the acclaimed documentary entitled, “Being Mortal.”
Complications: A Surgeon’s Notes on an Imperfect Science
This book digs deep into the human side of medicine and explores why medical treatment doesn’t always turn out as we plan, hope, or expect.
As a nurse, I found Dr. Gawande’s stories fascinating. Yet, since I’m also sometimes a patient, I found several of the stories unnerving.
I appreciate this surgeon’s honesty and transparency. He shares the challenges of trying to provide the best patient outcomes while dealing with an imperfect science.
Better: A Surgeon’s Notes on Performance
In Better, Dr. Gawande focuses on how we can improve performance in medical care. His story takes us on a journey from polio vaccinations, to delivery rooms, to malpractice hearings.
I’ll admit that the book contains two chapters I found emotionally challenging to read. One discusses physicians and nurses assisting in death row executions. The other describes treating the horrific injuries of war.
You’ll come through this book with a greater understanding of the difficulties medical providers face, and their ongoing drive to always do better.
I would love to hear your suggestions for the book I should read next. Please let me know in the comment section!
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