Necrotizing fasciitis. Perhaps the scariest thing in Atul Gawande’s Complications – and the scariest thing I’ve ever read of. But don’t let that throw you off this book; it is fantastic.
I was skeptical when I read a blurb on the back cover that declared Gawande the best non-fiction medical author (or something to that effect) today. My skepticism was misplaced. Gawande’s writing is brilliant. He paces admirably, weaves narratives well, and has a wonderful eye for detail.
The book focuses on dreadful medical errors committed or narrowly avoided. Many of these events are drawn from the author’s own experience during residency. Gawande examines medical decisions, by both doctors and patients, so thoughtfully and compassionately, that it is almost difficult to believe he is surgeon educated at prestigious and competitive institutions.
Some of his best work here focuses on the dilemma of teaching medicine. He doesn’t shy away from the fact that inexperienced doctors commit more mistakes. Of course, that experience can only be developed so much on cadavers and animals. Eventually, they work on living human beings. So, who gets these inexperienced doctors? Do we make experience (and higher likelihoods of success) avaialble only to those who can afford it? Gawande thinks through these issues carefully and lays bare his own decisison making process when his child’s well-being was at stake.
This book came highly recommended from a doctor friend and, unless you lack any interest in or any stomach for medical non-fiction, I pass that high recommendation for Complications on to you.
