November 15, 2001
Karl's surgical life began when, as a boy, he first consciously observed his father's life as a surgeon and has continued through his own medical education and 30 years of practice. Two of his most engaging chapters concern his own illnesses with hepatitis from a needle stick and with a spinal cord injury suffered while trying to wrestle a crazed patient to the floor. His account of the latter illness harrowingly illustrates what can happen when an arrogant, insufficiently experienced neurosurgeon operates, and both episodes of illness show how a doctor--Karl himself, in these instances, but representing his confreres--may learn from his own illnesses to become a better practical physician. Among many acute observations throughout the book, Karl's comment that patients initiate malpractice suits "because of bad results--and for lack of eye contact" from their doctor indicates what he feels most strongly physicians should " not" lack--sympathy.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2001, American Library Association.)