Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance

Atul Gawande's "Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance" is a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities and challenges of modern medicine. Gawande, a practicing surgeon, brings his unique perspective and experience to bear on a wide range of topics, from the ethics of medical decision-making to the importance of humility and collaboration in the operating room.

In the book's introduction, Gawande sets the stage by describing his own journey as a young surgeon, struggling to navigate the high-stakes world of surgery while grappling with the fundamental uncertainties of the field. He recounts some of his early successes and failures, including a particularly harrowing experience with a patient whose life hung in the balance.

As he reflects on these experiences, Gawande realizes that the key to improving surgical performance is not simply a matter of technical skill or knowledge, but of cultivating a deeper understanding of the human dimensions of medicine. He argues that effective medicine requires not just technical expertise, but also the ability to communicate effectively with patients, to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, and to approach each patient as a unique individual with their own needs and goals.

Throughout the book, Gawande shares a wealth of insights and stories drawn from his own experiences and those of his colleagues. From a pioneering program that trains doctors to deliver bad news to patients, to the innovative use of checklists to improve surgical outcomes, "Better" is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of what it takes to deliver high-quality medical care in an increasingly complex and demanding world.

Author: Atul Gawande

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Better-Surgeons-Performance-Atul-Gawande/dp/0312427654/

Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 stars (from 2515 reviews)

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