Health 2.0?

Wow, Dr. Gawande provides a fascinating insight into the challenges and opportunities associated with modern medicine. For a reference just check out the glowing reviews available on Amazon. The style is similar to Malcolm Gladwell's, who by the way, provides a strong endorsement for Complications (back of hardcover edition).

I am astonished frankly at the extent of honest conversation. The chapter on "when good doctors go bad" probably would have been sufficient to earn the good doctor permanent "leper" status within the AMA in the not too distant past. This is the "elephant in the room" that no one wanted to talk about; and demonstrates, I think, that while progress is being made, the medical profession is still woefully (like Congress) incapable of self regulation. The Tort system, despite potential for abuse, remains the only vehicle available to patients victimized by bad doctors, and continued silence on the part of the medical profession contributes as much to the problem as attorney greed, perhaps more so.

OK the above paragraph captures my perspective as a student of the law. As a potential patient, I am so much better informed now as to questions that I should ask and the patterns of behavior that are indicia of "bad doctors". I can assure you that I will not allow any doctor that is consistently working 90 hours a week to operate on me or a family member.

But do not let the above "negatives" persuade you that Complications has produced a more negative view of the medical profession on my part. It just confirmed some suspicions. However, I cannot begin to do the breadth and depth of this book justice with a few excerpts. From the advances of medical technology, to the all too human problems that Doctors encounter, this book is a must read for all.

Tags: Health Health 2.0

Comments

This is an INCREDIBLE READ!!! Somewhat scary to those who are dependent on quality medical care. The author provides a rare view of the inner workings and mistakes made in the medical field.