Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science By: Atul Gawande 5/5

In Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science, written and narrated by Atul Gawande, describes his experience as a medical student, a surgical intern, a surgical resident, and a surgeon later on. Demonstrating his experience as well as his struggles along the way, Gawande uses language to leave his readers on the edge of their seats as he walks through complicated and high-risk procedures and surgeries. Formatted into different sections comprised of rules of the knife, complicated procedures, the hierarchy of the medical system, and more. Remaining patient and colleague confidentiality, Gawande uses initials to take the place of his patients' names, to describe their condition and what medical journey they could be taking or looking to in the future. Like in any profession, Gawande describes the failures and uncertainties in surgery and room for growth as well as human error, with any high-risk occupation with extensive education, Gawande describes his own struggle as well as his peer's struggle to master new procedures even as medicine advances are invented. The challenges that Surgeons face on a daily basis, such as unforeseen complications and postoperative care can determine the later outcome of a patient's entire life after their procedure or surgery. In the title of the novel, the phrase Imperfect Science used by the author, further shows the never-ending advancements in medicine and the mistakes that doctors, nurses, and other medical practitioners can make, and how they can recover or adapt to those mistakes. For those who want to go into the medical field, I would highly recommend this book due to its extraordinarily detailed process and insight into what is inside the hospital that patients have not seen before. I would only recommend this novel for those who are looking to go into the medical field as it would appeal to your interests, if not then you may not be able to feel the same way about this novel as pre-medical enthusiasts. Overall, this has been one of my favorite books mainly due to the idea that it has appealed to my interests, so when it comes to choosing the right book, my advice is to pick one that interests you.