The Wall Street Journal posted an excerpt from this book by Paul Ruggieri a few weeks ago and I was intrigued enough to pick it up from the library and read on.
The Good: In addition to some downright funny stories about past patients (hungry Fred was my favorite), this book also provides unique and interesting insight into the ways of doctors, hospitals, and insurance companies. The discourses (sometimes verging on rants) about malpractice insurance were especially noteworthy: I never stopped to think about the numbers, but the fact is that by practicing long enough, virtually every single doctor will be sued. No wonder health care costs are out-of-control.
The Bad: I got a little tired of what often came across as “poor me,” particularly as it related to “lifestyle” and pay. I have no doubt that the hours are long and the stress is tremendous. As Ruggieri acknowledges, though, that’s part of what drew him to the field. I really couldn’t sympathize with the oft-repeated I-don’t-make-enough sentiment. At one point Ruggieri laments being unable to retire for want of being able to maintain the same lifestyle. My feeling is either suck it up and keep working, or retire and change your lifestyle, but the angst over feeling unable to retire is nothing unique to surgeons.
The Complicated: Not much. Except for a few bloody pages (skip, skip, skip), Ruggieri does a good job of making medicine accessible – and not gross. He does raise important questions about medical education, insurance, malpractice, and the like, none of which is, or can be, answered here but which provide definite food for thought. This is a fine, quick read, if you’re looking for one surgeon’s take on surgery (and especially the broader issues surrounding healthcare). For something more broadly-based – and more sympathetic – I still prefer Walk on Water: Inside an Elite Pediatric Surgical Unit.
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