Things That Matter: Stories of Life & Death

by David Galler

In this highly articulate, down-to-earth, generous, and thoughtful book, Dr. David Galler tells stories of life and death from his position as head of intensive care at a busy city hospital. Weaving his own personal stories throughout—including the death of his parents—David frames a number of chapters around key organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys, talking about their physical nature as well as their importance emotionally and holistically. He discusses wider issues, like difficult conversations with patients and the doctor patient relationship in general, as well as broader topics like organ donation. While Things That Matter isn't sentimental or mawkish, neither is it clinical. It's an intelligent read, and an eye-opener for those not in the medical world. David doesn't shy away from the political, either, and covers topics like treating people, not diseases; where medicine has gone wrong and how we might fix it; and when doing less can be more and doing things differently can be life saving for patients and hospitals alike.

Genres: Nonfiction, Medicine, Memoir, Health

240 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2016

Reviews

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book before my ICU run. David Galler is a hero of mine. His wide reaching memoir covers a life in ICU, the challenges he's faced and the changes he's seen in medical practice.

A favourite quote, on the placement of doctors in different hospitals in the Auckland Area Health Board: "He immediately saw that I was a Middlemore man, ready to do G-d's work in South Auckland... I certainly wasn't a pointy headed Professor in heels"

As a memoir it is ecclectic and honest and it wrapped me up in it's arms. A warm hug. The things that matter: family, friends, and being a good human. A wholehearted recommendation from me.

[Wilde Sky · Rating 3 out of 5]

A doctor recounts some stories from his medical career.

The majority of this book was a bit of a mess (some interesting sections but a lot of waffle), but the last chapter on his mother was very effective.

[Felix Drissner-Devine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real good book - family story, about hospitals and intensive care, and population health. Not good for hypochondria!

[Kristie Saumure · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful read - bore some resemblance to Atul Gawande's Being Mortal, but with a New Zealand spin. Highly recommended!

[Toby · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting book but I found the narrative a bit choppy.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Bit too close to home though. But yes seeing so much death really reminds you to concentrate on the things that matter

[Megan S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read, interesting subjects at least to me as I work in the NZ health care sector, and well written especially compared to other medical memoirs that somehow manage to get published!
I particularly enjoyed the last chapter and learning about his Mums experience and life. Although Dr Galler didn’t make this point, as I read about her I found myself grieving all the futures, the careers, the children and grandchildren lost because of the Holocaust. Dr Galler’s mum survived Auschwitz as a child and went on to raise a very successful doctor who saved many lives in his career. How many other potential children of the victims were lost - doctors, inventors, mothers and fathers. Every life stolen is an entire future of impact stolen. Just a thought, but a lot to ponder there.

[Sally Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book with the thought it was going to be a text book and was pleasantly surprised to find,despite some rather long winded at times medical parts,it was not only easy to read but informative too.It was a local book club choice and quite different to what we normally read.Really enjoyed it.

[Sheila Pritchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very encouraging to read the way this compassionate intensive care doctor relates to his patients. Even better - he works in Middlemore hospital - so a NZ setting. I'd be very happy to have him looking after me or any of my family.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally loved it, such a refreshing, different read. Makes me value my family, great doctors and the respect end of life deserves. I learned quite a lot too!

[Anthea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! It would be wonderful if all doctors were like this. Intelligence and compassion combined.

[Ben C · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book - such a good way to tell facinating personal stories whilst also highlighting the BIG issues with healthcare in NZ.

My rating - 77/100

[Sophie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this a lot more than I expected 4.5 stars I think

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simply but well written reflection of life, religion, history and medicine. David Galler is the son of Eastern European Jews who emigrated to New Zealand after the Second World War. Becoming a doctor later in life, he reflects on some of the Intensive Care patients and situations he has been involved with in the UK, Samoa and New Zealand. Galler has also been an advisor to the NZ government, who have ignored any advice and reports that link health outcomes to poverty, poor housing and low wages. This is a thoughtfully written book with insights into hospitals and health care, family life and expectations.

[Jenni McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am thankful to my book club as I would never have picked it out to read myself. What a lovely man, so full of heart. If I'm ever in intensive care, I hope I have a doctor like David Galler looking after me!