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Walk on Water: The Miracle of Saving Children's Lives
Described by one surgeon as “soul-crushing, diamond-making stress,” surgery on congenital heart defects is arguably the most difficult of all surgical specialties. Drawing back the hospital curtain for a unique and captivating look at the extraordinary skill and dangerous politics of critical surgery in a pediatric heart center, Michael Ruhlman focuses on the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic, where a team of medical specialists led by idiosyncratic virtuoso Dr. Roger Mee work on the edge of disaster on a daily basis. Walk on Water offers a rare and dramatic glimpse into a world where the health of innocent children and the hopes of white-knuckled families rest in the hands of all-too-human doctors.
340 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
90 people are currently reading
4388 people want to read
About the author
Michael Ruhlman
44 books354 followersMichael Ruhlman (born 1963 in Cleveland, Ohio) is an American writer. He is the author of 11 books, and is best known for his work about and in collaboration with American chefs, as well as other works of non-fiction.
Ruhlman grew up in Cleveland and was educated at University School (a private boys' day school in Cleveland) and at Duke University, graduating from the latter in 1985. He worked a series of odd jobs (including briefly at the New York Times) and traveled before returning to his hometown in 1991 to work for a local magazine.
While working at the magazine, Ruhlman wrote an article about his old high school and its new headmaster, which he expanded into his first book, Boys Themselves: A Return to Single-Sex Education (1996).
For his second book, The Making of a Chef (1997), Ruhlman enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America, completing the course, to produce a first-person account -- of the techniques, personalities, and mindsets -- of culinary education at the prestigious chef's school. The success of this book produced two follow-ups, The Soul of a Chef (2000) and The Reach of a Chef (2006).
Ruhlman grew up in Cleveland and was educated at University School (a private boys' day school in Cleveland) and at Duke University, graduating from the latter in 1985. He worked a series of odd jobs (including briefly at the New York Times) and traveled before returning to his hometown in 1991 to work for a local magazine.
While working at the magazine, Ruhlman wrote an article about his old high school and its new headmaster, which he expanded into his first book, Boys Themselves: A Return to Single-Sex Education (1996).
For his second book, The Making of a Chef (1997), Ruhlman enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America, completing the course, to produce a first-person account -- of the techniques, personalities, and mindsets -- of culinary education at the prestigious chef's school. The success of this book produced two follow-ups, The Soul of a Chef (2000) and The Reach of a Chef (2006).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
June 4, 2011
As an adult with congenital heart disease and two children with heart defects, I am pretty much an 'expert' at having heart problems. This book is spot on about how it feels to be a parent of heart babies and patient with heart defects. I like to see both sides of the fence (the medical professional side and the patient side). Ruhlman delivers both. It provides insight to those who have never had to deal with any health issues with their children (thankfully...i wouldn't wish it on anybody). It also shows some of the success stories. My only wish is that it showed a few more successes in detail (not just numbers and stats) but interviews with the families who have witnessed miracles, as well. There is nothing - nothing - like seeing your child be brought back from death at the hands of skilled doctors and nurses (and in the hands of God). I loved the book, none-the-less, because it was the story of my life and the history of how our surgeons and doctors became who they are and how they now do what they do.
February 17, 2024
Thankful for this book. I was a patient of Dr. Mee’s in 2001 when I was 4 years old and am very much alive and well thanks to him, his team, and their truly miracle-like work.
I’ve known about this book for most of my life but felt I was “ready” and “old enough” to digest this now at age 26.
It’s helped me really be so appreciative for my life and the provisions God had gifted me with before I even knew what that meant.
I’ve known about this book for most of my life but felt I was “ready” and “old enough” to digest this now at age 26.
It’s helped me really be so appreciative for my life and the provisions God had gifted me with before I even knew what that meant.
February 1, 2016
After our experience with Cam I didn't think I'd be able to read this, and it definitely was tough at times. But mostly this book, which follows the intense lives of pediatriac cardiac surgeons and their teams, left me feeling astounded at the amazing advancements in the field over just the last decades. And grateful. So very grateful.
February 13, 2008
Michael Ruhlman is a local celebrity and a fairly nice guy. I see him at our community pool all summer and his kid is in my daughter's Montessori classroom.
In addition to all that ephemera, I appreciate the premise of his work. My partner first started reading his books about world class chefs and what it takes to work in a top kitchen, an area of interest to her. I was not so interested in reading about cooking but this book, about pediatric cardiac surgery, grabbed my attention since I used to do pediatric anesthesia and knew some of the players in the book.
He illustrates a world completely alien to most of us, and blessedly so. It's not an easy or fun read, but it is fascinating.
In addition to all that ephemera, I appreciate the premise of his work. My partner first started reading his books about world class chefs and what it takes to work in a top kitchen, an area of interest to her. I was not so interested in reading about cooking but this book, about pediatric cardiac surgery, grabbed my attention since I used to do pediatric anesthesia and knew some of the players in the book.
He illustrates a world completely alien to most of us, and blessedly so. It's not an easy or fun read, but it is fascinating.
September 8, 2014
I decided to read this book because next year my husband will be starting his pediatric congenital surgery fellowship. This book gave me a well rounded idea of what his life, our family's life and those lives affected with these conditions are/will be like. The world of congenital heart defects is a very encompassing/consuming place. It is filled with joy and heartache not only for the families that are dealing with a loved one with these issues but also for those that spend their lives fixing and finding new and better ways to care for them.
November 23, 2007
excellent book about a great surgeon and how he came to be. the author specializes in writing books about people who do things well. he's written one about boat builders that i liked and another one about chefs.
October 27, 2008
This amazing doctor was our Granadson's first open-heart surgeon.
October 21, 2012
A friend recommended this book to me when we were discussing our children's common pediatric cardiologist. She mentioned that our doctor was mentioned in this book. So it is always interesting to read a book in which a person you know is mentioned.
It is the story of Roger Mee (mostly) and his team at the Cleveland Clinic, and how they are the FOREMOST congenital pediatric heart surgery team in the world. It is at times mired in technical detail and at times heart breaking. It is the technical detail that brings this book down. Seriously, if you want to discuss the anatomy of the heart in detail and all the particular defects, a few drawings might have been really helpful.
It is also angering how easily a child with a heart condition can be treated by inadequate surgeons, and the parents will never know. Many pediatric cardiologists deliberately do not inform the parents of their choices in treatments and doctors. It is a matter of ego, or reimbursement, or insurance, or geography that influences their recommendations.
More terrifying are the young guns who are operating on children, and just learning how to operate on perhaps the most delicate of all neonate organs in the body.
After reading this book, should my daughter ever progress to the point of surgery, at least I know whom to go to.
It is the story of Roger Mee (mostly) and his team at the Cleveland Clinic, and how they are the FOREMOST congenital pediatric heart surgery team in the world. It is at times mired in technical detail and at times heart breaking. It is the technical detail that brings this book down. Seriously, if you want to discuss the anatomy of the heart in detail and all the particular defects, a few drawings might have been really helpful.
It is also angering how easily a child with a heart condition can be treated by inadequate surgeons, and the parents will never know. Many pediatric cardiologists deliberately do not inform the parents of their choices in treatments and doctors. It is a matter of ego, or reimbursement, or insurance, or geography that influences their recommendations.
More terrifying are the young guns who are operating on children, and just learning how to operate on perhaps the most delicate of all neonate organs in the body.
After reading this book, should my daughter ever progress to the point of surgery, at least I know whom to go to.
April 12, 2009
An excellent book, though I found it to be sad at most points. Rather, I mean that to say that I am glad both of my children were born without heart defects.
Ruhlman presents a brief history of heart surgery, and a good picture of those that make congenital heart surgery their work. He does an excellent job of showing those members both as human, as the miracle-workers that they are seen to be by outsiders. I liked his voice within the book, like that of a friend, who got to tag along and was shown a great deal of what goes on behind the scenes. The parents of all of these children were painted very well, also, I thought, shown stark within the reality of their situation. Mostly, I liked that everyone in the book, even the patients, had a face.
Ruhlman presents a brief history of heart surgery, and a good picture of those that make congenital heart surgery their work. He does an excellent job of showing those members both as human, as the miracle-workers that they are seen to be by outsiders. I liked his voice within the book, like that of a friend, who got to tag along and was shown a great deal of what goes on behind the scenes. The parents of all of these children were painted very well, also, I thought, shown stark within the reality of their situation. Mostly, I liked that everyone in the book, even the patients, had a face.
December 15, 2017
Being a Pediatric Cardiac ICU nurse practitioner, I was curious but hesitant to read this book. Then I started it and couldn't put it down. I think this is the most accurate accounting of life is like working in the world of congenital heart disease - the ups and downs, the personalities, the harshness and humor, even the vocabulary is spot-on. Although it's written by an author who was completely unfamiliar with the field, he really did his research. There were only minor inaccuracies, and the stories were very compelling. It again reminded me why I love my job so very much. I was a little put off with the chapter on referrals to heart surgeons. I can see why this may be viewed as a concern, but I thought it went a little far to make an issue more dramatic than it is.
July 20, 2008
Having a child with a serious heart defect (hlhs--mentioned in the book) and 3 open heart surgeries ( I read this between #2 & #3), it gave me more understanding and appreciation for the surgeons and hospital staff. True to life from a parent of a child who has spent weeks in the hospital on a roller coaster. A bit intense--not a book to read soon before a scheduled surgery.
March 5, 2008
MY DREAM JOB!!! Pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon - awesome!! Great book for anyone who wants motivation to be great at whatever they do!
May 19, 2008
The author, a journalist, spends a year with pediatric cardio surgeons. I've given this book to every young person I know who wants to be a doctor.
December 14, 2023
A must read but trigger warning for any parent who has a baby/child with a cardiac defect.
An expose style account of a writer who follows several of the worlds leading pediatric Cardiothoracic surgeons through their incredibly daunting, heartbreaking experiences For 18 months at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic. Having been on the other side, it was both traumatic and insightful to look at the lives of these very sick and fragile babies through the eyes of the surgeons who save them.
Often surgeons get a bad rap as being detached,cold, terrible bedside manner… and we have dealt with our fate share. However after reading this, I hope people come away with more understanding for these incredible people who literally are holding the lives of families in their hands. The sheer weight of that responsibility and the fact that many many babies And children don’t survive is eye opening.
Recommend reading in a room with the door closed and a box of tissues….
An expose style account of a writer who follows several of the worlds leading pediatric Cardiothoracic surgeons through their incredibly daunting, heartbreaking experiences For 18 months at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic. Having been on the other side, it was both traumatic and insightful to look at the lives of these very sick and fragile babies through the eyes of the surgeons who save them.
Often surgeons get a bad rap as being detached,cold, terrible bedside manner… and we have dealt with our fate share. However after reading this, I hope people come away with more understanding for these incredible people who literally are holding the lives of families in their hands. The sheer weight of that responsibility and the fact that many many babies And children don’t survive is eye opening.
Recommend reading in a room with the door closed and a box of tissues….
January 22, 2023
This brought up interesting questions, especially for those who find themselves in situations where you might need to see a specialist. How do you know that you're getting the best care? Can you trust the Dr. referring you to the specialist? What questions do you ask in these situations?
I felt like it got a little bogged down in the detailed description of different surgeries. It was interesting to a point but a lot of times it was hard to follow. The personal stories of families that Dr. Mee and other's worked with were what made it good. I felt like the end of the book "resources for parents" could be super helpful. What to ask, look for and where to seek for information.
I also wonder what pediatric congenital heart surgery is like now-20 years after this book was written.
Content: moderate to harsh language
I felt like it got a little bogged down in the detailed description of different surgeries. It was interesting to a point but a lot of times it was hard to follow. The personal stories of families that Dr. Mee and other's worked with were what made it good. I felt like the end of the book "resources for parents" could be super helpful. What to ask, look for and where to seek for information.
I also wonder what pediatric congenital heart surgery is like now-20 years after this book was written.
Content: moderate to harsh language
August 15, 2017
Fascinating look into the world of pediatric cardiac surgery. Some parts were way too technical for me (over my head), but I loved learning about these remarkable physicians, nurses, and other members of the healthcare team who have this vocation. The glimpse into the pain and worry of the families was at turns heartbreaking and joyous. Worth reading.
October 16, 2021
3.5 stars. This is my field tangentially and didn't realise this book was 20 years old so some of it is a little jarring. I also couldn't quite get past the hard on the author has for Dr Mee - who actually comes across in this book ok - but who would surely consider some of it, including the incessant references to "walking on water" to be sheer wankery.
The best bits are where the author focuses on the families instead of getting lost in statistics.
The best bits are where the author focuses on the families instead of getting lost in statistics.
July 14, 2021
This book was incredible to me not only because I lived near the Cleveland Clinic and remember many of the events and people presented in these stories, but also because Michael Ruhlman has a wonderful way of approaching and describing the most delicate and the most disturbing scenes that can, and frequently do, occur in hospitals.
This is a year in the life of celebrated pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon, Roger Mee. Ruhlman shadowed Mee in 2000, following him from home to office to OR and on rounds. As a result of his adventures, Ruhlman is able to describe in accurate and sensitive detail the stories surrounding a handful of the baby hearts Roger Mee repaired (with the help of his remarkable team), and the lives that were changed during his career. It is an amazing inside look.
Jonathan Drummond-Webb, another cardiothoracic surgeon, also appears in the pages of this book shortly before he moved to Arkansas Children's hospital in 2001. Drummond-Webb had a story of his own that ended tragically when his extraordinary talent was snuffed out too soon by suicide in December of 2004.
If you can - read this book.
This is a year in the life of celebrated pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon, Roger Mee. Ruhlman shadowed Mee in 2000, following him from home to office to OR and on rounds. As a result of his adventures, Ruhlman is able to describe in accurate and sensitive detail the stories surrounding a handful of the baby hearts Roger Mee repaired (with the help of his remarkable team), and the lives that were changed during his career. It is an amazing inside look.
Jonathan Drummond-Webb, another cardiothoracic surgeon, also appears in the pages of this book shortly before he moved to Arkansas Children's hospital in 2001. Drummond-Webb had a story of his own that ended tragically when his extraordinary talent was snuffed out too soon by suicide in December of 2004.
If you can - read this book.
December 27, 2018
This was a fantastic book about the lives of pediatric heart surgeons and how this surgery has changed/improved in the last 40 years. The focus was on one surgeon, Dr. Mee, who ended his career at Cleveland Clinic. The author had a lot of questions/soul-searching concerning why the referrals for children's heart surgery aren't to those surgeons who have the best success rates. Are some cardiologists, surgeons, and hospitals looking out only for themselves (big egos) and not really caring about the children? Parents in crisis, as these parents are, are not given adequate information to make truly informed decisions. A great read.
January 9, 2020
I loved parts of this book, and I didn’t love others. The stories of the people, the procedures— those were fascinating. However, I felt there was a lot of technical discussion that could have used diagrams or more effective explanations for those of us that are not in the know. And I felt there was a great deal of repetitiveness, which was perhaps an effect to the non-linear organization. Stories were interrupted for a cliff-hanger effect, and sometimes that backfired or led to confusion on my part. Nevertheless— excellent discussion of subject matter that I thought I would never find interesting.
June 3, 2019
Truly fascinating!!!!
Amazing book! I have a child with CHD and this is the only hook I have found that fully captures the world you are thrown into when you have a heart baby. I've ready this book so many times and still learn something new with each read. This is a MUST READ for parents who have a child with any heart defect. I would also recommend it to anyone who enjoys the fascinati ng medical world at large. I'm so grateful to all that have devoted their life to caring for these precious kids.
Amazing book! I have a child with CHD and this is the only hook I have found that fully captures the world you are thrown into when you have a heart baby. I've ready this book so many times and still learn something new with each read. This is a MUST READ for parents who have a child with any heart defect. I would also recommend it to anyone who enjoys the fascinati ng medical world at large. I'm so grateful to all that have devoted their life to caring for these precious kids.
February 26, 2008
This book gave a wonderful overview of the origination of pediatric and adult cardiac surgery programs. I had no idea most of the huge strides had occurred during my lifetime...
I recommend this book to anyone related to a cardiac surgeon (hi, Kara and Abi!), anyone in medical school (hi, Cordel!), and anyone who wants to read the most beautiful description of how a heart forms in utero (hi, everybody in the word!).
I recommend this book to anyone related to a cardiac surgeon (hi, Kara and Abi!), anyone in medical school (hi, Cordel!), and anyone who wants to read the most beautiful description of how a heart forms in utero (hi, everybody in the word!).
March 16, 2016
Even though I didn't understand a lot of what was going on, I loved the first two-thirds of the book. I loved the stories about children who were sick and dying and needed heart surgery. I loved the stories about the doctors who worked on the children.
Then the story switched to a history of heart surgery in the world and I grew less interested. By the time I got back to the stories of the children, I found myself much less interested in what was going to happen.
Then the story switched to a history of heart surgery in the world and I grew less interested. By the time I got back to the stories of the children, I found myself much less interested in what was going to happen.
December 29, 2017
A terrific, terrifying and, at times, tragic read. Loved every second of this beautiful book, and I might even know how to speak like a surgeon now. HaHa. I'm grateful for the medical people who dedicate themselves to excellence, and I'm grateful for Michael Ruhlman who gave us such a detailed glimpse into the world of pediatric heart care - both from the doctor's, medical staff, and the family's perspective.
December 12, 2023
The combination of science and ethics/social issues that I LOVE. The details of heart surgery were fascinating (and required me to have a picture of the heart on my phone while reading because wait, which valve is that again? what does it do?) but even more so were the ethical dilemmas and the portraits of the families with children with these terrible congenital heart diseases and the complex surgeons who try to save them. Very well-written and illuminating. A favorite of the year.
April 11, 2019
This not a book I would recommend for anyone working in medicine. I worked as a Pediatric Cardiac Surgical PA for nearly 20 years, I found it exaggerated and sometimes inaccurate (he notes that a PA and RNFA are the same profession) I honestly could only make it about 2/3 and had to put it down. It's inspirational for anyone outside this field but I recommend taking the book as entertainment for anyone who does this field.
June 23, 2010
I was hoping for a little more heart and a little less ego. It was difficult to read in parts thinking about my own little son. I can only imagine how difficult it is for parents to struggle with the loss of their little babies.
December 8, 2018
As someone who’s working on a pediatric CVICU of a growing program, I thought this was extremely insightful on what separates good programs from first class programs. I think this is a ‘must read’ for anyone working in healthcare with congenital heart patients
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July 3, 2008This is the first congenital pediatric heart book I ever read. I ended up doing my final nursing paper on CHD in children.
November 19, 2008
I loved this book- mostly because i knew most of the children;s surgical team when i was working at the Clinic. They really are spectacular people!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews