Making the Cut: A Surgeon's Stories of Life on the Edge

by Mohamed Khadra

To be surgeon is to stand, without flinching, in the sea of human suffering and using one's entire resource of knowledge, skill and intelligence to battle it. An intern makes his first cut and is ridiculed by his tutor. An old woman is brought back to life against her will, only for the unexpected to strike a week later. A notorious surgeon is driven crazy by a massive brain tumour. The mother of a leukemia-ridden child is driven to desperation... In this compelling and beautifully written impressionistic memoir, Mohamed Khadra recounts stories from his life as a surgeon, from the gruelling years of training to the debilitating sleepless nights on call. He looks back at the doctors and patients who shaped his career; at the endless stream of humanity - courageous, pitiful, admirable and dislikable - who passed under his knife, as he recalls shocking tales of mistakes in theatre and the shattered lives of doctors defeated by the stresses of the job. Documenting the soul-destroying choices made for patients and the misplaced hope so common in the face of death, his dramatic account of a surgical life shows what happens when extraordinary events overtake everyday lives - including, even, his own.

Genres: Medical, Nonfiction, Memoir, Medicine

Audio CD

First published October 1, 2009

Reviews

[Caitlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I understand what others meant now by the author being arrogant. He certainly does have a really arrogant way of writing and his narcissism really turned me off. Also he made a lot of niggling misogynistic and transphobic comments- he really does sound like an old fogey and this really grated on me the entire book. I like to read surgical/medical memoirs as I am a medical student but if I compare this book to something by someone who has had similar experiences (immigrant born to poor parents becomes amazing surgeon and then writes memoir about it) such as Atul Gawande, it really doesn't compare. Atul Gawande's voice as a writer doesn't come across as sexist and narcissistic, this one does and it bothered me too much to really enjoy the stories the author was telling.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, gives a insight into what is required by those who choose this path, and the awful events that occur around him at times.

Fantastic insight into why our health system is failing in parts, and I can't agree more with his views on the nursing profession.

(which is why I want to leave it)

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book, written with authority and ability. Khadra covers a multiple of topics and does it well, even if you may have differing views to his. I also admire his ability to point out flaws in the system that got him to where he was, something that does not always occur from the top. Well presented and well read.

[jools · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I can cross surgical specialisation off my list too. Very depressing read from my point of view about the hours and commitment. Appears to be a LOT of pain for incommensurate gain, but that's probably just me being lazy. Having said that, I'm not sure it was so much the hours that frightened me off but the end product; the sort of people that are attracted to surgery (or maybe it's what happens to you after the training process) are unappealing.
Having said that, the book was well written and very easy to read - I felt I had a good sense of the author's personality and style as well as his journey/growth as a person through the somewhat chronological ordering of the book.

[Claire Li · Rating 4 out of 5]

After finishing this book, I realized I liked Khadra's stories as much as I disliked his personality. This is an honest, gritty account of personal sacrifices and the toll a surgical career takes. It is a collection of Khadra's memorable cases, and the evolution of his surgical career as each patient and life milestone shapes him. I appreciated the unapologetically raw narrative that left a bad taste in my mouth.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harrowing, appalling, fascinating, riveting account of the work of a surgeon in the underfunded, over-burdened, Australian public health system. Dr Khadra's philosophical, poetic and humanitarian insights are awe-inspiring. (I also intend never to set foot in a hospital again, God willing!)

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating book, but I think I will wrap myself in cotton wool so I can avoid doctors for the rest of my life :) I wouldn't read it if you're stuck in hospital, but if you're healthy, it's an interesting read.

[Tim Josling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting and enlightening.

War stories from becoming and being a surgeon and stories of his patients. This is a book you cannot put down, it is so compelling. Also I learned a lot about what makes surgeons the way they are.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Realistic, poignant and even spiritual at times.
An insight into the Australian medical and surgical hospital system as well as a humble yet accomplished surgeon.
Great read.

[Jenna Vidal · Rating 4 out of 5]

When i saw this book I knew I had to read it. After all I am a Medical Secretary and I love a few good memoirs. I really liked this book because, although following a sequence, it was written in short stories about the patients- meaning you could pick it on a whim and not have to think too much about story progression.

This book was sad, educational and entertaining all at the same time. It gave a little insight in various aspects of a surgeons life that many people know very little about. Not only was the subject matter very good, this guy is a good writer and I found it very readable. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars was because I found the second half a bit crude and I did not think it was all necessary. Otherwise a good read that makes you think about issues you might not have otherwise thought about in a way you never would have before.

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mediocre with occasional moments of luminous clarity. Medicine is portrayed as terrifying and author is much too scarily superior for his success story to be of any reassurance.

[Sharon Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, should be read by all budding medical professionals- nurses, drs, carers alike.
The system we have is broken.
Florence would be rolling in her grave, the lack of care given to patients is horrifying, and the excuse is money or computers or rules.
The first and foremost rule is 'do not harm', the lack of care by modern day medicos (drs & nurses) leaves much to be desired, and will inevitably do harm.
Professor Khadra writes in a very easy way, describing his time as a surgeon the issues he faced and how he managed to survive what he knows to be wrong.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting insight into a surgical career, particularly one who was an immigrant to our country and seemingly had to work even harder to succeed. I really enjoyed it and it was easy to read and comprehend.

[Shekhar U · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book starts with early years experience and matures. An honest story of self...

BTW I read the translation of the book in Marathi ..

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting & well written.

[Ayu Mintorogo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buku yang sangat berharga untuk lebih mendalami sisi manusiawi seorang dokter bedah, hanya saja saya jadi parno membacanya

[Michael Choi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging because of its honesty

[renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Sometimes the most humane course is to allow nature to deal with its own."

[Valluvan Thillairajah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Mohammed Khadra's 'Making The Cut' is a tour de force, providing an unflinching view into the life of a surgeon, intricately weaving themes of race, career choices, and the daunting reality of the medical profession. As a nascent medical student, the book has served as an invaluable guide, enriching my understanding of the path I have chosen to undertake.

'Making The Cut' uncovers the harsh realities surgeons face and highlights the courage required to surmount the challenges within this demanding profession. The narrative delves deep into Khadra's personal struggles, revealing the immense obstacles he confronted due to racial prejudices. These profoundly personal experiences offer a poignant reminder of the enduring presence of discrimination, even in sectors as critical as healthcare.

The book also illuminates the career choices that often shape a medical professional's life. Khadra's decision to leave a secure job in Sydney to work in a remote country town, for instance, provided insights into the sacrifices often required in the pursuit of a fulfilling medical career. His determination to serve communities with limited access to healthcare is a testament to the selflessness and resilience integral to the medical profession.

Moreover, as an aspiring doctor, 'Making The Cut' has granted me an unprecedented view into the life of a surgeon. It's a rare glimpse into the heart of the operating theatre; the challenges surgeons face, the choices they make, and the profound impact they have on their patients' lives. From the careful precision of each cut to the weighty responsibility inherent in each decision, Khadra's experiences have unveiled the fascinating, often daunting, world I am about to enter.

In essence, 'Making The Cut' stands as an illuminating guide, enriching my understanding and amplifying my passion for the medical field. Dr. Khadra's journey—rife with challenges, triumphs, and undeniable resilience—resonates profoundly, making it a must-read for anyone embarking on a journey in medicine. Indeed, this is a book that has secured its place among my all-time favourites.

[Renae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book I just had to try and ignore the author's arrogant and transphobic comments.

[Aseel · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book has two parts the training and the practice. ireally enjoyed reading espicaally the training part .i highly recommende it to every one in the medical field . yet, am sure any non medical can also enjoy it.it was one of my favourite books.

[Angela D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read, couldn't put it down.