30 pages • 1 hour read
Better: A Surgeon’s Notes on Performance
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Book Brief
288
Book • Nonfiction
2000s
2007
Adult
18+ years
1100L
Super Short Summary
In Better: A Surgeon’s Notes on Performance, Dr. Atul Gawande explores what makes a good doctor through essays originally penned for The New Yorker. He uses field research and real-life examples from medicine to illustrate themes of diligence, doing right, and ingenuity. Gawande emphasizes that a planned approach and hard work can lead to success, while failure is necessary for growth and self-betterment.
Informative
Inspirational
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
38,982 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviews of Better by Atul Gawande highlight its compelling narrative and practical insights into the medical profession. Praised for its engaging storytelling and thoughtful analysis, readers appreciate Gawande's emphasis on improvement and ethical practice. However, some critique its anecdotes as occasionally repetitive. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and accessible read on healthcare.
Who Should Read Better?
A reader who would enjoy Better by Atul Gawande is likely interested in medical science, healthcare improvement, and ethical dilemmas in medicine. Comparable works include Being Mortal by Gawande and The Checklist Manifesto, appealing to those who appreciate narratives blending insightful analysis with real-life doctor experiences.
38,982 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Ignac Semmelweis
Ignac Semmelweis
A 19th-century Viennese obstetrician known for advocating handwashing to reduce disease transmission, highlighting challenges in implementing new medical practices.
Virginia Apgar
Virginia Apgar
A pioneering doctor who developed the Apgar Score for newborns, overcoming gender barriers to integrate her method into standard practice.
LeRoy Matthews
LeRoy Matthews
A Cleveland pediatrician who revolutionized cystic fibrosis treatment by developing a new approach that improved patients' quality of life.
Ashish Motewar
Ashish Motewar
A general surgeon from Uti, India, known for his efficiency in ulcer surgeries despite limited resources, showcasing the importance of innovation in medicine.
288
Book • Nonfiction
2000s
2007
Adult
18+ years
1100L
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