Second Opinion

Rating:
Summary: Not your usual medical novel
Review: Although this book is written as fiction, it closely tracks the real-life experience of a physician who received the education of his life when he became the patient of his colleagues. The story begins when the protagonist, a family doctor who has practiced for many years in his community, seeks a second opinion in another city. There he learns that all had not been what it seemed when he underwent coronary artery bypass grafting some years before at the hands of his friends back home. Before the story ends tragically, he travels thousands of miles to seek a third opinion and additional treatment, discovering along the way that he was not the only victim of medical bungling. This is a dark tale full of characters who are, by turns, callous, uncaring, thoughtless, arrogant, angry, and sometimes malicious. It shows just how vulnerable even a trained physician can be when he must trust other doctors to diagnose and manage a serious medical condition. And it suggests that there may be far more medical incompetence than anyone dares imagine. But is this how medicine really works? Does this tale lay bare an ugly truth that lies just beneath the surface of most seemingly appropriate medical care? Or is Second Opinion a one-sided account of an unusual case? How much have the author's own feelings and perspective affected it? Might it also reflect something of the depths of professional rivalries and disagreements within medicine? And are these always a bad thing? Would it be better if physicians had more self-doubt about their own knowledge, opinions, and skills? Or would that undermine their ability to act decisively and thwart the need that sick people have to feel that they are in competent hands? Especially troubling is the idea that things could go so wrong when physicians care for a friend and colleague. What, then, can ordinary people expect? And what of the onslaught of "managed care medicine" that turns doctors into "providers" and patients into the wards of insurance companies, HMO's, government agencies, and other faceless bureaucracies? Those who are most familiar with the medical care system in America, which sets the standard for the rest of the world, will be most troubled by this book. Some may even be led to question their own capabilities and motivation. There are a few technical medical references in this work that may not be understood by some readers. At other points a turn of phrase may seem awkward. But the flow of the story and the author's enchanting use of English makes it a pleasure to read. The fact that it is written as fiction should not cause anyone to dismiss its message.

Rating:
Summary: An excelletn read & food for thought
Review: Although this book is written as fiction, it closely tracks the real-life experience of a physician who received the education of his life when he became the patient of his colleagues. The story begins when the protagonist, a family doctor who has practiced for many years in his community, seeks a second opinion in another city. There he learns that all had not been what it seemed when he underwent coronary artery bypass grafting some years before at the hands of his friends back home. Before the story ends tragically, he travels thousands of miles to seek a third opinion and additional treatment, discovering along the way that he was not the only victim of medical bungling. This is a dark tale full of characters who are, by turns, callous, uncaring, thoughtless, arrogant, angry, and sometimes malicious. It shows just how vulnerable even a trained physician can be when he must trust other doctors to diagnose and manage a serious medical condition. And it suggests that there may be far more medical incompetence than anyone dares imagine. But is this how medicine really works? Does this tale lay bare an ugly truth that lies just beneath the surface of most seemingly appropriate medical care? Or is Second Opinion a one-sided account of an unusual case? How much have the author's own feelings and perspective affected it? Might it also reflect something of the depths of professional rivalries and disagreements within medicine? And are these always a bad thing? Would it be better if physicians had more self-doubt about their own knowledge, opinions, and skills? Or would that undermine their ability to act decisively and thwart the need that sick people have to feel that they are in competent hands? Especially troubling is the idea that things could go so wrong when physicians care for a friend and colleague. What, then, can ordinary people expect? And what of the onslaught of "managed care medicine" that turns doctors into "providers" and patients into the wards of insurance companies, HMO's, government agencies, and other faceless bureaucracies? Those who are most familiar with the medical care system in America, which sets the standard for the rest of the world, will be most troubled by this book. Some may even be led to question their own capabilities and motivation. There are a few technical medical references in this work that may not be understood by some readers. At other points a turn of phrase may seem awkward. But the flow of the story and the author's enchanting use of English makes it a pleasure to read. The fact that it is written as fiction should not cause anyone to dismiss its message.