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curly83185's review
3.0
This book is inspirational. It examines how people (surgeons and physicians are the case study) can do better at their jobs. In examining case studies, Gawande makes observations that can be applicable to any profession.
stevenyenzer's review
3.0
Gawande is a great writer and always raises interesting questions. This was a little disjointed but I enjoyed it.
mirandags's review
5.0
Loved reading this book! I found the sections to be memorable, especially the one on hand washing. Lots to think about, even for non-doctors, on how to improve performance.
wdudley89's review
4.0
Gawande offers a series of well-written and insightful reflections upon his experiences in a variety of medical contexts. The overarching theme of his investigations is the nature of performance: how does an individual or an institution become a "positive deviant," achieving success at a much higher rate than the established norm? The stories he tells are well chosen and thought provoking, but the book often feels like a collection of independent essays rather than a unified meditation. To be fair, the subtitle, "A Surgeon's Notes on Performance," indicates as much, so the reader should not be surprised. The Afterward is worth the price of admission, offering Gawande's advice to medical students on how to become top performers, in the broad sense, in their own lives and work.
lsavcak's review
4.0
It took a bit to get into, but this is definitely worth a read. Really interesting insights on improving medicine not via major research studies but via focus on performance and more regular and at times mundane, under appreciated tasks related to care. I found part 3 of the book especially compelling.
josh_paul's review
4.0
Much of the book is a defense of what might be called "boring virtues." These are things like diligence, and persistence. Improving care outcomes doesn’t require genius or cutting edge technology, but competence, and systems that help reduce errors.
rachel_reads_regularly's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
jennog's review
5.0
My public health nerd self loved this book. As a public health data analyst, this book helped me see my purpose in my job in a big picture way and inspired me to keep doing what I do. Maybe I made the correct career choice after all.
susanbrooks's review
3.0
I'm fascinated by the field of medicine. Gawande explores various facets including the treatment of cystic fibrosis, hand-washing, and innovations in the military arena.