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99 reviews for:
Fragile Lives: A Heart Surgeon's Stories of Life and Death on the Operating Table
Stephen Westaby
4.19 AVERAGE
99 reviews for:
Fragile Lives: A Heart Surgeon's Stories of Life and Death on the Operating Table
Stephen Westaby
4.19 AVERAGE
informative
medium-paced
3.5 - interesting stories - can be a bit graphic at times!
emotional
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
In depth and very technical
What an amazing life to read. The stories are fantastic. It is very technical so not for anyone who doesn’t like detailed medical explanations.
What an amazing life to read. The stories are fantastic. It is very technical so not for anyone who doesn’t like detailed medical explanations.
Grandstanding heart surgeon makes up new ops. Only in 1990s: both not very and so long ago.
This is a reasonably interesting read about the various medical breakthroughs and technological advancements that the author has learnt and experienced in his long career as a heart surgeon. There are some good case studies but I was a little disappointed at how long the chapters were and the way the stories didn't necessarily have a clear beginning, middle and end, I suppose. I feel like the similar books by Dr Henry Marsh and others that I've read were a bit more...accessible perhaps. However, I read this book relatively quickly (for me, given im easily distracted etc.) and I did find some interesting points were made. It gives a fair insight into the life of a successful surgeon and I suppose it would be a good read for any potential/budding surgeons in the making, if they even have time to be sat about reading such things and not working 24/7 in this day and age, especially if working for the NHS but yes, anyway(!). At the end the author reflects on how things are now in terms of politics and the outlook for the NHS, which is a bit of a sobering read. I would hesitatingly recommend this to people really interested in the specifics of heart surgery and how things have changed in this field of work since the 1970s.
Highly Recommended.
The authors background and upbringing along with his personality, make him an inspirational pioneer in open heart surgery. Sadly, the politics and finances of the NHS creates barriers, as ever. But this was so much easier to overcome in his early career. We need more doctors with this kind of courage and determination.
I didn't know anything about this doctor before reading the book. I was amazed to read about the new things he tried. I enjoyed the educational aspects too and learnt a lot about the workings of the heart.
The authors background and upbringing along with his personality, make him an inspirational pioneer in open heart surgery. Sadly, the politics and finances of the NHS creates barriers, as ever. But this was so much easier to overcome in his early career. We need more doctors with this kind of courage and determination.
I didn't know anything about this doctor before reading the book. I was amazed to read about the new things he tried. I enjoyed the educational aspects too and learnt a lot about the workings of the heart.
put it down a couple weeks ago and had to force myself to pick it back up again tonight (honestly i wasn’t all too eager to get back into this book.) it’s just really not that good.
it does make a good insect-squasher though so it’s all swings and roundabouts really...
it does make a good insect-squasher though so it’s all swings and roundabouts really...
This is not my usual type of book, I'm more into my Sci-fi than autobiographies, and reviews are also not my thing - as you can tell. However as Professor Westerby was the heart surgeon that operated on my wife (she gets a brief mention in the penultimate chapter) I just had to read it (or rather listen to it on Audible).
And a great read it is indeed. It allowed me to understand Professor Weasterby's drive and bedside manner that made my family's own encounter with him so relaxed and calm, despite the seriousness of the situation. It also goes to shine a light on the issues facing todays NHS service and one which is sadly not looking like it will be resolved in this time of cost cutting.
The style and presentation of the cases in the book is engaging and you really get a feel for both the patients and the drive to help them. Some parts may not be for those with a sensitive disposition with the description of the ailments and the surgical procedures but bare with it, it is well worth it.
And a great read it is indeed. It allowed me to understand Professor Weasterby's drive and bedside manner that made my family's own encounter with him so relaxed and calm, despite the seriousness of the situation. It also goes to shine a light on the issues facing todays NHS service and one which is sadly not looking like it will be resolved in this time of cost cutting.
The style and presentation of the cases in the book is engaging and you really get a feel for both the patients and the drive to help them. Some parts may not be for those with a sensitive disposition with the description of the ailments and the surgical procedures but bare with it, it is well worth it.
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced