The struggle to perform well is universal, but nowhere is this drive to do better more important than in medicine. In his new book, Atul Gawande explores how doctors strive to close the gap between best intentions and best performance in the face of obstacles that sometimes seem insurmountable.His vivid stories take us to battlefield surgical tents in Iraq, to a polio outbreak in India and to malpractice courtrooms around the country. He discusses the ethical dilemmas of doctors' participation in lethal injections, examines the influence of money on modern medicine and recounts the astoundingly contentious history of hand-washing. Finally, he gives a brutally honest insight into life as a practising surgeon. Unflinching but compassionate, Gawande's investigation into medical professionals and their progression from good to great provides a detailed blueprint for success that can be used by everyone.
Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance
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`...this wise and often profound book should be an inspiration to doctors all over the world.'
-- Sunday Times
-- Sunday Times
Book Description
The bestselling author of Complications reveals what you need to be a great surgeon - and shows how everyone can improve at what they do
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First Sentence
Several years ago, in my final year of medical school, I took care of a patient who has stuck in my mind. Read the first page Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
Several years ago, in my final year of medical school, I took care of a patient who has stuck in my mind. Read the first page Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By Ibrahim Ali
Format:Paperback
In his second book Gawande turns to issues more of public health. That's not to say it's devoid of his surgical experience, but now in addition we get the interesting public health aspects to medicine from the relentless "washing hands" to eradicating polio in India. The essays again have their perfect blend of anecdote and academia and anybody regardless of their medical experience will gain immensely from reading this. His essay on the bell curve is truly inspiring thinking, and whilst the original concept was not his there are few better able to articulate it. Whilst his last book, though scholarly was more action packed, this edition takes a more academic approach and though it may be as tense we get much welcomed insights from the public health side.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Firstly the reason why I purchased this book is not because of any great interest in medicine. Instead it was because of the title `Better'. In my own field, there are always processes to improve upon so it would be instructive on how do Doctors manage the complexity of their tasks.
In a dozen essays, Dr. Gawande deals with macro issues, such as polio outbreaks to minor ones, such as the correct washing of hands. A common thread in each is how even such minor changes, such as using a scale ( The Apgar score) to describe the state of a newborn, can radically improve the survival rates of patients. Recommended.
In a dozen essays, Dr. Gawande deals with macro issues, such as polio outbreaks to minor ones, such as the correct washing of hands. A common thread in each is how even such minor changes, such as using a scale ( The Apgar score) to describe the state of a newborn, can radically improve the survival rates of patients. Recommended.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
My wife is a nurse and I bought this book as a present for her after reading the first few pages on the Amazon website. However as my wife had yet to finish the book she was reading, I began reading it myself and found it extremely enjoyable.
As previous reviewers have said, Atul Gawande's style of prose is very absorbing and he writes in an uncomplicated yet informative way which makes the sometimes exclusive area of medicine easily accessible and pleasurable to read about. By using examples from his own area of expertise he provides us with a wider message which we can all consider and reflect upon - "there is always room for improvement".
The way I tend to rate books is by asking myself the question, "Do I want to read more by this author?" So I'm now going to buy Gawande's most recent book 'The Checklist Manifesto'.
As previous reviewers have said, Atul Gawande's style of prose is very absorbing and he writes in an uncomplicated yet informative way which makes the sometimes exclusive area of medicine easily accessible and pleasurable to read about. By using examples from his own area of expertise he provides us with a wider message which we can all consider and reflect upon - "there is always room for improvement".
The way I tend to rate books is by asking myself the question, "Do I want to read more by this author?" So I'm now going to buy Gawande's most recent book 'The Checklist Manifesto'.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
thought provoking
I am a headteacher of a primary school and I have to say this is one of the best leadership books I have read.
Published 26 days ago by John
5.0 out of 5 stars
Onto the Checklist!
This is the second book written by Gawande, it follows on from his first Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Scienceand I thought this was a much richer text. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Simon Nixon
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic
As a surgeon myself, I came across this book after receiving a recommendation. Buying the book on kindle and reading it was one of the best things I have done. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Sas
5.0 out of 5 stars
Here here !
I really can't improve on the reviews of Ibrahim Ali, Dean Swift and Dr Shaumik - except to reiterate this is a beautifully written, literate and absorbing book - and very, very... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Anthony Brace
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very enjoyable
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Topics covered were thought provoking and I would recommend this book to anyone considering a medical related career.
Published on 3 May 2011 by LJ
5.0 out of 5 stars
Compelling read
Every chapter in this book is compelling, it's not at all technical so don't worry if you don't have a medical background. Read more
Published on 12 Feb 2011 by The Purple One
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent and thought provoking
Atul Gawande was recommended to me by many people before I read his books; I expected to find them a bit preachy but they are not at all. Read more
Published on 21 Nov 2010 by bertie123
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
I'm more of a novel girl but this is beautifully written, thought provoking and easy to read. Loved it.
Published on 24 Sep 2010 by Rootie
5.0 out of 5 stars
fantastic read
really really good book! excellent for prospective medical students because you don't have to know too much about medicine, good read for the non medical population as it is... Read more
Published on 6 Jun 2010 by Ms. Pl Parry
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book
As with his previous book, Complications, a well researched and fascinating read, showing the human side of medicine.
Published on 24 Mar 2010 by Madge
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