When the Air Hits Your Brain

by Frank Vertosick Jr.

Genres: Medical

Paperback

Reviews

[panda · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆ 3.5 ☆
This was an interesting read, definitely offered a new perspective on neurosurgery and realistically demonstrated Dr. Vertosick’s actual journey to becoming a successful neurosurgeon.

This book was memoir-like and explained scientific concepts in a way that was easy to understand. Although this book was written quite long ago (slight outdated technologies, concepts), its overall message stays relevant as it focuses on “the human aspect of disease, the human dimension of those who suffer from it, and the human dimension of those neophytes, like me, who learn to treat it. And that dimension is timeless.”

Overall, pretty good read?

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Well written and very interesting.

[Marcia Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed reading about the real lives of doctors as they work with patients, reveal strengths and weaknesses, show their very human sides, and allow me to imagine how their lives differ so much from my own.

This book really hit the spot. Dr. Frank Vertosick, Jr., shares his journey from uncertain college student to highly successful neurosurgeon. Unlike TV shows or movies about doctors, this book is more like a memoir. Vertosick makes mistake after mistake, questions his choice of profession, wonders whether he really is as competent as others think he is, and so on. The stories he tells of actual patients he worked on are heart-rending and eye-opening.

I recommend this book to anyone who has interest in the nitty-gritty and trials and tribulations of members of the medical profession.

[Sharon Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a nurse, I am always interested in stories from surgeons. Such an amazing field of medicine. This collection of stories from a neurosurgeon was intricate, emotional, and remarkable. It’s amazing what someone can do to someone’s brain. As a Christian, it was fascinating, albeit sad, to hear how this knowledgeable and devoted physician could try to explain life through evolution and not through intelligent and meaningful design. Especially with regard to the human brain. Thankful for these stories, however, and the incredible physicians who save lives every day ❤️

[Alex Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book for the medical humanities course I’m taking. Had some really emotionally gutting stories and really enjoyed his positive take on the importance of physicians and why we stay in medicine. At times it was a little slow and hard to get through with the medical explanations. Didn’t fly through it like the other ones.

[Ryder Nebesniak · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible novel start to finish. Dr. Vertosick offers detailed accounts of truly remarkable feats and horror stories in his career as a neurosurgeon. Regardless of your background and medicine, Vertosick offers a refreshingly humanistic approach to his stories that is counter-cultural to what we see today.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great perspective from a neurosurgeon. Well versed medically.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very relatable

[Lauren Vallo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d give this 3.5 stars! Average compared to similar books I’ve read on medicine but was an interesting read. Always be grateful for your health!!!!!!!!

[Abby Chestovich · Rating 4 out of 5]

read this for anatomy homework but thoroughly enjoyed it. was interesting to learn more about the brain, and remembered some things from psychology :)

[Victor Toma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rare 6 stars book.

I sure hope Sarah baby is ok today.

RIP Rebecca, such a sad story also !

[meas ୨ৎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

another banger medicine book

[RODNEY PAUL]

Great memoirist,Insane chronicling!