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Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science
Complications A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science
Author: Atul Gawande
In gripping accounts of true cases, surgeon Atul Gawande explores the power and the limits of medicine, offering an unflinching view from the scalpel’s edge. Complications lays bare a science not in its idealized form but as it actually is—uncertain, perplexing, and profoundly human.
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ISBN-13: 9780312421700
ISBN-10: 0312421702
Publication Date: 4/1/2003
Pages: 288
Rating:
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 165

4.1 stars, based on 165 ratings
Publisher: Picador
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 1
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
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.
Acknud avatar reviewed Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science on + 82 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
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.
reviewed Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science on
Helpful Score: 5
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)
reviewed Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Dr. Gawande is a great storyteller. He carries you through complex medical situations and keeps you interested as he weaves personal anecdotes with sage advice on how to better the practice of medicine.
reviewed Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Extremely well written. I was intrigued by the content. The stories were very interesting. The book gave me a different view of how I look at doctors. They are human and can and do make mistakes. I plan to share this book with family and friends.
Read All 32 Book Reviews of "Complications A Surgeons Notes on an Imperfect Science"

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reviewed Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science on + 11 more book reviews
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.
reviewed Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science on + 20 more book reviews
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.
reviewed Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science on + 13 more book reviews
Excellent, compelling and informative, full of cool medical details and a look at the very human and tentative nature of medical science.
lovtoride-n-read avatar reviewed Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science on + 5 more book reviews
Gawande has written a book that captures so much of the uncertainty and the imperfection of modern medicine. He does it in a personal, conversational style. Thoroughly enjoyable and thought provoking!

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Atul Gawande (Primary Character)

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