Narrated by: Robert Petkoff
My Rating: 4 out of 5
Complications was re-recorded in 2020 in abridged and unabridged format with two different narrators. Audible lets you listen to a bit of each version before deciding which reader you prefer. Both seemed acceptable but I decided on Robert Petkoff before realizing he reads the unabridged book which was what I wanted anyway. It was a good choice.
The book is amazing. After being on dialysis, having a kidney transplant, and a few minor surgeries in the last few years, I appreciated the explanations of things I had experienced but not understood.
In three sections named
Fallibility, Mystery, and Uncertainty, Gawande describes the education of surgeons, advancements in medicine, difficult diagnoses, and some fascinating (and disturbing) cases.
We always hear the joke that doctors are 'only practicing' when things go wrong. Actually Gawande explains that perfection takes practice and the "constant relearning of new techniques and technologies" and the result is that residents get practice and doctors get information but no practice.
A topic I found interesting was Morbidity and Mortality (M&M), regularly scheduled meetings where doctors take personal responsibility by discussing what they could or should have done differently. All surgeons make mistakes. Maybe you don't want to know that.
A smooth reading of a well written insider's view of today's medicine. Highly recommended.
Published: July 21st 2020
by Macmillan Audio
Unabridged Audiobook: Length:
9 hrs and 31 mins
Author:Atul Gawande
Complications was a 2002 National Book Award finalist for nonfiction. You can read more about Atul Gawande at his website.
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