Medical Catastrophe

April 1, 2017
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind closed doors at your doctor's office or local hospital? The medical world is a mystery to those who don't work in health care, and Medical Catastrophe gives readers insight into the harrowing, humorous, and sometimes dehumanizing world of medicine. Dworkin is a practicing anesthesiologist and political philosophy instructor, and his confessions delve into the sometimes unpleasant truths of hospital politics and industry standards. Exploring the question of what it means to be a doctor, Dworkin traces his experiences, from time spent in his father's medical practice as a child to his residency training, and, finally, as a part-time practitioner. Although the tone can at times seem self-important, Dworkin addresses key issues facing modern medicine, including how much autonomy doctors should have and how to improve practitioners' quality of life. A solid introduction to the hidden world of hospital medicine, Medical Catastrophe is sure to start thought-provoking conversations about complex topics, such as the balance between professional knowledge and patient-centered care.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)