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Critical
Critical is an intelligent, compelling and profoundly insightful journey into the world of intensive care medicine and the lives of people who have forever been changed by it.
Being critically ill means one or more of your vital organs have failed—this could be your lungs, your heart, your kidneys, gut or even your brain. Starting with the first recognised case in which a little girl was saved by intensive care in 1952 in Copenhagen, Matt writes brilliantly about the fascinating history, practices and technology in this newest of all the major medical specialties. Matt guides us around the ICU by guiding us around the body and the different organs, and in this way, we learn not only the stories of many of the patients he’s treated over the years, but also about the various functions different parts of the body.
He draws on his time spent with real patients, on the brink of death, and explains how he and his colleagues fight against the odds to help them live. Happily many of his cases have happy endings, but Matt also writes movingly about those cases which will always remain with him—the cases where the mysteries of the body proved too hard to solve, or diagnoses came too late or made no difference to the outcome.
Being critically ill means one or more of your vital organs have failed—this could be your lungs, your heart, your kidneys, gut or even your brain. Starting with the first recognised case in which a little girl was saved by intensive care in 1952 in Copenhagen, Matt writes brilliantly about the fascinating history, practices and technology in this newest of all the major medical specialties. Matt guides us around the ICU by guiding us around the body and the different organs, and in this way, we learn not only the stories of many of the patients he’s treated over the years, but also about the various functions different parts of the body.
He draws on his time spent with real patients, on the brink of death, and explains how he and his colleagues fight against the odds to help them live. Happily many of his cases have happy endings, but Matt also writes movingly about those cases which will always remain with him—the cases where the mysteries of the body proved too hard to solve, or diagnoses came too late or made no difference to the outcome.
288 pages, Paperback
First published May 30, 2019
264 people are currently reading
3230 people want to read
About the author
Matt Morgan
3 books39 followersMatt Morgan is a Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine, Honorary Professor at Cardiff University and Curtin University in Australia and regular BMJ columnist.
He has contributed to \>50 scientific articles following his PhD in artificial intelligence. He has spoken at some of the largest book festivals in the world, written articles for diverse publications from The Guardian to Esquire magazine, featured on radio programmes including The Today Program as well as appearing on many television programs from CNN to The BBC.
He gave the 2023 Woodridge Lecture, has spoken at The Wellcome Trust and was nominated for the Royal Society’s David Attenborough prize for public engagement. He was listed in the top fifty most influential health tech people in 2024.
His first book CRITICAL tells remarkable stories of patients in the intensive care unit. His second book, ONE MEDICINE, explores how understanding animals can help treat human disease. His third book A SECOND ACT, tells the stories of patients after surviving a cardiac arrest and what these can teach us about our own lives.
He is a member of the BMJ Commission on the Future of the NHS, ambassador for 2Wish charity, patron for The Humanimal Trust and medical advisor for The National Theatre London’s production of "Nye", the story of Aneurin Bevan starring Michel Sheen. He lives in Cardiff with his family and loves ice cream.
He has contributed to \>50 scientific articles following his PhD in artificial intelligence. He has spoken at some of the largest book festivals in the world, written articles for diverse publications from The Guardian to Esquire magazine, featured on radio programmes including The Today Program as well as appearing on many television programs from CNN to The BBC.
He gave the 2023 Woodridge Lecture, has spoken at The Wellcome Trust and was nominated for the Royal Society’s David Attenborough prize for public engagement. He was listed in the top fifty most influential health tech people in 2024.
His first book CRITICAL tells remarkable stories of patients in the intensive care unit. His second book, ONE MEDICINE, explores how understanding animals can help treat human disease. His third book A SECOND ACT, tells the stories of patients after surviving a cardiac arrest and what these can teach us about our own lives.
He is a member of the BMJ Commission on the Future of the NHS, ambassador for 2Wish charity, patron for The Humanimal Trust and medical advisor for The National Theatre London’s production of "Nye", the story of Aneurin Bevan starring Michel Sheen. He lives in Cardiff with his family and loves ice cream.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
January 11, 2023
I wonder who decided that the best blurb would be a review of the book? "Critical is an intelligent, compelling and profoundly insightful journey into the world of intensive care medicine and the lives of people who have forever been changed by it.
Being critically ill means one or more of your vital organs have failed—this could be your lungs, your heart, your kidneys, gut or even your brain. Starting with the first recognised case in which a little girl was saved by intensive care in 1952 in Copenhagen, Matt writes brilliantly about the fascinating history, practices and technology in this newest of all the major medical specialties. Matt guides us around the ICU by guiding us around the body and the different organs, and in this way, we learn not only the stories of many of the patients he’s treated over the years, but also about the various functions different parts of the body.
He draws on his time spent with real patients, on the brink of death, and explains how he and his colleagues fight against the odds to help them live. Happily many of his cases have happy endings, but Matt also writes movingly about those cases which will always remain with him—the cases where the mysteries of the body proved too hard to solve, or diagnoses came too late or made no difference to the outcome."
There's not much left to say except that I enjoyed the book and if you like medical memoirs you will too. With a blurb like that, there is nothing I can add. Not sure if it is a good thing to have a review as a blurb or not though. At least you know what you are getting. But when you've got it, it's just as it says on the tin, neither more nor less.
Being critically ill means one or more of your vital organs have failed—this could be your lungs, your heart, your kidneys, gut or even your brain. Starting with the first recognised case in which a little girl was saved by intensive care in 1952 in Copenhagen, Matt writes brilliantly about the fascinating history, practices and technology in this newest of all the major medical specialties. Matt guides us around the ICU by guiding us around the body and the different organs, and in this way, we learn not only the stories of many of the patients he’s treated over the years, but also about the various functions different parts of the body.
He draws on his time spent with real patients, on the brink of death, and explains how he and his colleagues fight against the odds to help them live. Happily many of his cases have happy endings, but Matt also writes movingly about those cases which will always remain with him—the cases where the mysteries of the body proved too hard to solve, or diagnoses came too late or made no difference to the outcome."
There's not much left to say except that I enjoyed the book and if you like medical memoirs you will too. With a blurb like that, there is nothing I can add. Not sure if it is a good thing to have a review as a blurb or not though. At least you know what you are getting. But when you've got it, it's just as it says on the tin, neither more nor less.
March 13, 2019
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
After the runaway success of This Is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor there seems to have been a glut of medical memoirs released, so what makes ‘Critical’ so different? This is centred around the role of an ICU, or critical care, consultant and is part memoir, part science as were taken on a journey through life within the most intense and life changing department in the hospital.
It’s set out in a really nice way, divided into chapters reflecting on specific organs of the body (ie the brain, the lungs, the heart etc.) and goes on to explain some of the many reasons a person may be in the ICU because of that particular body part. It sets out the biology behind the conditions in such a way that most people would be able to get their head around them, and builds on knowledge gained in previous chapters to further explain certain ailments. It’s almost like a really good lecturer, who knows what he’s talking about, taking you through a medical class.
Matt Morgan is also incredibly passionate about what he does, and his love and compassion for his patients jumps from the page. He explains what it is to feel failure, remorse and regret, and the issues surrounding mental health in doctors was particularly poignant. The most touching aspects were often centered around individual patients who really seemed to touch Matt personally. As medical professionals, we become so desensitised to health that we become at risk of losing a part of ourselves and our compassion. But Matt shows, in the care he takes when talking to bereaved relatives, when asking about a lost loved ones past, that he really does care.
The section on brain stem death and organ donation was particularly hard for me to read for personal reasons. It’s a mirror image of my own past, and I thought it was touched upon in an extremely empathetic and endearing way - and I don’t think I could ever give a book any higher praise than that. This doesn’t play for laughs or attempt to trivialise what is to be a doctor, but rather bring to the attention of the wider audience what it is to work in the NHS in a high pressure and incredibly important job.
A great read.
After the runaway success of This Is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor there seems to have been a glut of medical memoirs released, so what makes ‘Critical’ so different? This is centred around the role of an ICU, or critical care, consultant and is part memoir, part science as were taken on a journey through life within the most intense and life changing department in the hospital.
It’s set out in a really nice way, divided into chapters reflecting on specific organs of the body (ie the brain, the lungs, the heart etc.) and goes on to explain some of the many reasons a person may be in the ICU because of that particular body part. It sets out the biology behind the conditions in such a way that most people would be able to get their head around them, and builds on knowledge gained in previous chapters to further explain certain ailments. It’s almost like a really good lecturer, who knows what he’s talking about, taking you through a medical class.
Matt Morgan is also incredibly passionate about what he does, and his love and compassion for his patients jumps from the page. He explains what it is to feel failure, remorse and regret, and the issues surrounding mental health in doctors was particularly poignant. The most touching aspects were often centered around individual patients who really seemed to touch Matt personally. As medical professionals, we become so desensitised to health that we become at risk of losing a part of ourselves and our compassion. But Matt shows, in the care he takes when talking to bereaved relatives, when asking about a lost loved ones past, that he really does care.
The section on brain stem death and organ donation was particularly hard for me to read for personal reasons. It’s a mirror image of my own past, and I thought it was touched upon in an extremely empathetic and endearing way - and I don’t think I could ever give a book any higher praise than that. This doesn’t play for laughs or attempt to trivialise what is to be a doctor, but rather bring to the attention of the wider audience what it is to work in the NHS in a high pressure and incredibly important job.
A great read.
May 9, 2022
I had completely forgotten I already read this but not disappointed in reading it again. Still find these kinds of books very interesting
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I love books like this where people of a specific profession tells the story about their work and shares stories (bit changed go protect the people involved). This was not exception. Well told and easy to follow. It's has many chapters talking about different "cases" in his medical field and it was both fascinating and informative. It's not a full five stars for me but a strong 4.5 stars. I highly recommend it!
---
I love books like this where people of a specific profession tells the story about their work and shares stories (bit changed go protect the people involved). This was not exception. Well told and easy to follow. It's has many chapters talking about different "cases" in his medical field and it was both fascinating and informative. It's not a full five stars for me but a strong 4.5 stars. I highly recommend it!
December 30, 2021
Critical: Science and stories from the brink of human life by Matt Morgan strikes one most deeply with its compassion and empathy (hallmark of an advanced civilization). The ICU is not a place where one can find an easy job---its a place where the stress may end your life or impart energy and focus to save life in the most vulnerable patients.
"There is no room for error in the ICU. Full focus is required at all times (is the difference between life and death).”
---Dr. Matt Morgan
Dr Matt Morgan is an ICU doctor where his life and those of his colleagues are modified. He becomes our instructor on the body and all the particulars of organs. The history, story and science here will impart lessons that may assist you and your family from ever having to be a guest of the ICU. Death in the ICU happens and in the anxiety, we find something hidden that illuminates.
Critical: Science and stories from the brink of human life by Matt Morgan inspires consideration as to what is substantive. Some patients recover and others don't. This is a dark place to be on the brink of death in the ICU, alone and lacking. Yet here we find pricey truth. Morgan's orchestrations in the POVID (post-COVID) microcosm instructs how tragedy is a platform to find clarity and realize some will be terminally drinking "quarantinies (martinis)" with mask. Brilliant. Buy.
"There is no room for error in the ICU. Full focus is required at all times (is the difference between life and death).”
---Dr. Matt Morgan
Dr Matt Morgan is an ICU doctor where his life and those of his colleagues are modified. He becomes our instructor on the body and all the particulars of organs. The history, story and science here will impart lessons that may assist you and your family from ever having to be a guest of the ICU. Death in the ICU happens and in the anxiety, we find something hidden that illuminates.
Critical: Science and stories from the brink of human life by Matt Morgan inspires consideration as to what is substantive. Some patients recover and others don't. This is a dark place to be on the brink of death in the ICU, alone and lacking. Yet here we find pricey truth. Morgan's orchestrations in the POVID (post-COVID) microcosm instructs how tragedy is a platform to find clarity and realize some will be terminally drinking "quarantinies (martinis)" with mask. Brilliant. Buy.
May 24, 2019
Briefly - There are plenty of things I now do not want to be affected by but I am better informed. However there is my humanity and science too here. If Henry Marsh, Sue Black or the likes of Kathryn Mannix interest you this may well be for you. Probably 4.5/5 I guess.
In full
Matt Morgan, an Intensivist, was at a medical conference in Dublin in 2016. At a pub afterwards a member of the public asked why he was there and then what his speciality was - it made him realise while he knew what he did others did not understand the subject. This book was the result of the conversation. I have to say that I for one am glad that he did have that conversation. The result of it is well worthwhile!
The book looks at the various reasons why someone may be in an ICU bed. This gives us the following headings for sections of the book.
The Immune System
Skin and Bones
The Heart
The Lungs
The Brain
The Guts
The Blood
The Soul
I guess strictly the last one is not going to be the reason why you occupy an Intensive Care bed however it does give you an idea of the range of this book. In practice Matt uses each of the headings to look at a couple of cases and then delves further. This approach allows him to look at the history of Intensive Care which was fascinating for example. However he ranges very widely indeed within these topics.
I certainly did not know that intensive care started with a polio victim and an anaesthetist in 1952. I learned a lot from this book which interested me. Equally I now know about some things I would far rather not experience for myself!
There is the history of intensive care, the equipment used, what we can and can't do and some thoughts on where things should be going.
The author looks at his training and development over the years as a doctor and then an ICU specialist. He considers the skills required for the role. For me there was something far more holistic about his approach that I had expected for what seems to be a "technical" area of medicine. He stresses the need to think objectively rather than assuming likely causes - time is limited usually. In a number of parts of this book the tension between history - the way we usually do things - and science - is there a better way - are often looked at. I found that aspect very interesting.
The reading seemed quite easy here to me and maybe at the "person in the street" level. I think the book could have been pitched a little higher. I have doubts about the likelihood of the person in the street being the main audience for this. I'd suggest it would be appreciated by anyone with an interest and some knowledge in healthcare. I guess I did find parts where the tone was slightly off for me.
I really enjoyed this book and would thank the author for the clarity he has brought to this subject. To make it interesting too takes some work. It is a book capable of making you smile and definitely capable of letting you shed a tear or two - I certainly did. This is one of the best non-fiction books I've read recently - 4.5/5 and happily rounded up and recommended.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
http://viewson.org.uk/non-fiction/cri...
In full
Matt Morgan, an Intensivist, was at a medical conference in Dublin in 2016. At a pub afterwards a member of the public asked why he was there and then what his speciality was - it made him realise while he knew what he did others did not understand the subject. This book was the result of the conversation. I have to say that I for one am glad that he did have that conversation. The result of it is well worthwhile!
The book looks at the various reasons why someone may be in an ICU bed. This gives us the following headings for sections of the book.
The Immune System
Skin and Bones
The Heart
The Lungs
The Brain
The Guts
The Blood
The Soul
I guess strictly the last one is not going to be the reason why you occupy an Intensive Care bed however it does give you an idea of the range of this book. In practice Matt uses each of the headings to look at a couple of cases and then delves further. This approach allows him to look at the history of Intensive Care which was fascinating for example. However he ranges very widely indeed within these topics.
I certainly did not know that intensive care started with a polio victim and an anaesthetist in 1952. I learned a lot from this book which interested me. Equally I now know about some things I would far rather not experience for myself!
There is the history of intensive care, the equipment used, what we can and can't do and some thoughts on where things should be going.
The author looks at his training and development over the years as a doctor and then an ICU specialist. He considers the skills required for the role. For me there was something far more holistic about his approach that I had expected for what seems to be a "technical" area of medicine. He stresses the need to think objectively rather than assuming likely causes - time is limited usually. In a number of parts of this book the tension between history - the way we usually do things - and science - is there a better way - are often looked at. I found that aspect very interesting.
The reading seemed quite easy here to me and maybe at the "person in the street" level. I think the book could have been pitched a little higher. I have doubts about the likelihood of the person in the street being the main audience for this. I'd suggest it would be appreciated by anyone with an interest and some knowledge in healthcare. I guess I did find parts where the tone was slightly off for me.
I really enjoyed this book and would thank the author for the clarity he has brought to this subject. To make it interesting too takes some work. It is a book capable of making you smile and definitely capable of letting you shed a tear or two - I certainly did. This is one of the best non-fiction books I've read recently - 4.5/5 and happily rounded up and recommended.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
http://viewson.org.uk/non-fiction/cri...
June 6, 2019
I’m afraid I struggled a bit with Critical. Matt Morgan is plainly a good man and a very good doctor, but although the book has a noble aim and deals with important medical and human subjects, I found it difficult to relate to.
I should say first that I can understand all the very enthusiastic reviews form others. There is a lot of very interesting information here about a fascinating topic and I did learn a good deal. However, I had two main problems with the book. The first is that I found its tone a bit patronising in places. I know that it is difficult sometimes to convey complex medical and scientific ideas to non-medics like me, but there really is no need to sound as though you’re addressing a five-year-old, and I did bridle fairly often at the almost childish tone.
My second problem is (and I’m sorry to say this) that Matt Morgan simply isn’t a very good writer. He tries to bring the human stories of his patients to life for us, but they read like a bad novel, full of cliché (“a seventeen year old with the world at his feet,” for example) and over-florid writing which I’m afraid had the opposite effect on me than was intended, in that I couldn’t relate to the stories at all.
It seems churlish to criticise a book on such a subject and with a worthy motive, but the truth is that I was disappointed and although others have plainly enjoyed it very much, I can only give Critical a very qualified recommendation.
(My thanks to Simon and Schuster for an ARC via NetGalley.)
I should say first that I can understand all the very enthusiastic reviews form others. There is a lot of very interesting information here about a fascinating topic and I did learn a good deal. However, I had two main problems with the book. The first is that I found its tone a bit patronising in places. I know that it is difficult sometimes to convey complex medical and scientific ideas to non-medics like me, but there really is no need to sound as though you’re addressing a five-year-old, and I did bridle fairly often at the almost childish tone.
My second problem is (and I’m sorry to say this) that Matt Morgan simply isn’t a very good writer. He tries to bring the human stories of his patients to life for us, but they read like a bad novel, full of cliché (“a seventeen year old with the world at his feet,” for example) and over-florid writing which I’m afraid had the opposite effect on me than was intended, in that I couldn’t relate to the stories at all.
It seems churlish to criticise a book on such a subject and with a worthy motive, but the truth is that I was disappointed and although others have plainly enjoyed it very much, I can only give Critical a very qualified recommendation.
(My thanks to Simon and Schuster for an ARC via NetGalley.)
June 21, 2019
After the success of so many medical memoirs on the market, this is a welcome addition focusing on life in intensive care. The author is a somewhat reluctant writer, stating that he hopes you enjoy his book and learn something and give it a nice review online.
I actually enjoyed his writing for a newbie, and I did learn new things despite being an RN myself! It was interesting how his stories were weaves throughout history of critical medicine and how treatments have developed throughout the years.
This book is perhaps more garnered towards non medics as it describes basic anatomy and physiology, as well as a guide on how to do an effective chest compression whilst reassuring the reader that they are unlikely to hurt the patient.
Although not quite up there on the ranks with Marsh and Westaby, who’s memoirs are outstanding, this is a touching and thought provoking read for those intrigued to what happens behind the paper curtain.
I actually enjoyed his writing for a newbie, and I did learn new things despite being an RN myself! It was interesting how his stories were weaves throughout history of critical medicine and how treatments have developed throughout the years.
This book is perhaps more garnered towards non medics as it describes basic anatomy and physiology, as well as a guide on how to do an effective chest compression whilst reassuring the reader that they are unlikely to hurt the patient.
Although not quite up there on the ranks with Marsh and Westaby, who’s memoirs are outstanding, this is a touching and thought provoking read for those intrigued to what happens behind the paper curtain.
August 28, 2020
This was a really interesting and informative medical memoir.
I love these types of books. This one was well written and very interesting. There was a lot of moving moments and some very important take home messages.
I do wish this book focused more on Matt's own experiences and stories from his time in ICU rather than the history of medical treatments and interventions.
There was a lot of medical jargon which was difficult to read at times. I learnt so much but I would have loved to have read more about this personal experiences and stories from ICU
The stories which were mentioned in this book were definitely sad and moving.
I also loved how the book was structured around different parts of the body.
Overall, if you love medical memoirs I'm sure you'll love this book.
TW: real life descriptions of death, illness, injury and trauma of which some are quite graphic
I love these types of books. This one was well written and very interesting. There was a lot of moving moments and some very important take home messages.
I do wish this book focused more on Matt's own experiences and stories from his time in ICU rather than the history of medical treatments and interventions.
There was a lot of medical jargon which was difficult to read at times. I learnt so much but I would have loved to have read more about this personal experiences and stories from ICU
The stories which were mentioned in this book were definitely sad and moving.
I also loved how the book was structured around different parts of the body.
Overall, if you love medical memoirs I'm sure you'll love this book.
TW: real life descriptions of death, illness, injury and trauma of which some are quite graphic
skimmed
November 22, 2019Morgan is a consultant in intensive care medicine at the University Hospital of Wales. I’ve read many medical professionals’ memoirs and I’m weary of the anonymized case study format, so it now takes a really distinguished book for me to be willing to read the whole thing. I just glanced through this one; the only segment that stood out to me was about Roald Dahl’s connection to health care in Cardiff. Dahl grew up in nearby Llandaff and lost a sister and a daughter to treatable illnesses and experienced injuries of his own. After his son’s health crisis, he also helped to devise a valve to prevent blockages in hydrocephalus, advocated for vaccination and led his wife in six-hour-a-day rehabilitation after a stroke. Morgan’s concluding advice is “work hard, ask questions and be kind to people. It is the best job in the world.”
March 5, 2019
This is an insightful read into the human body, its complexities and the wonderful work our medical staff do. I enjoyed reading about the various illnesses and the human element of the staff. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
July 8, 2021
Time taken to read - 2 days
Pages - 244
Publisher - Simon & Schuster
Source - Bought
Blurb from Goodreads
Critical is an intelligent, compelling and profoundly insightful journey into the world of intensive care medicine and the lives of people who have forever been changed by it.
Being critically ill means one or more of your vital organs have failed – this could be your lungs, your heart, your kidneys, gut or even your brain. Starting with the first recognised case in which a little girl was saved by intensive care in 1952 in Copenhagen, Matt writes brilliantly about the fascinating history, practices and technology in this newest of all the major medical specialties. Matt guides us around the ICU by guiding us around the body and the different organs, and in this way, we learn not only the stories of many of the patients he’s treated over the years, but also about the various functions different parts of the body.
He draws on his time spent with real patients, on the brink of death, and explains how he and his colleagues fight against the odds to help them live. Happily many of his cases have happy endings, but Matt also writes movingly about those cases which will always remain with him – the cases where the mysteries of the body proved too hard to solve, or diagnoses came too late or made no difference to the outcome.
My Review
True stories from doctor Matt Morgan, what it is like to work in intensive care, some of the patients stories and journeys. There are so many of these types of books out just now covering the medical profession, behind the scenes, heart breaking journeys of patients.
This book is a bit different as we get a lot of the background on the medical, how we have the service and procedures we do now. I think for some this may be a bit much but I really enjoyed it, I love reading about medical history and how far we have come along in our knowledge and techniques. I think it is a very important book, tomorrow is never guaranteed and you can never imagine the journey some folk endure both as patients and family of loved ones who experience horrific accidents or when their body fails them.
We get a walk through some of Morgan's patients, their recovery and for some of the ones who didn't make it. Emotive, shocking, educational, shocking, heartbreaking - I can't recommend these true stories/healthcare enough, 4/5 for me this time.
Pages - 244
Publisher - Simon & Schuster
Source - Bought
Blurb from Goodreads
Critical is an intelligent, compelling and profoundly insightful journey into the world of intensive care medicine and the lives of people who have forever been changed by it.
Being critically ill means one or more of your vital organs have failed – this could be your lungs, your heart, your kidneys, gut or even your brain. Starting with the first recognised case in which a little girl was saved by intensive care in 1952 in Copenhagen, Matt writes brilliantly about the fascinating history, practices and technology in this newest of all the major medical specialties. Matt guides us around the ICU by guiding us around the body and the different organs, and in this way, we learn not only the stories of many of the patients he’s treated over the years, but also about the various functions different parts of the body.
He draws on his time spent with real patients, on the brink of death, and explains how he and his colleagues fight against the odds to help them live. Happily many of his cases have happy endings, but Matt also writes movingly about those cases which will always remain with him – the cases where the mysteries of the body proved too hard to solve, or diagnoses came too late or made no difference to the outcome.
My Review
True stories from doctor Matt Morgan, what it is like to work in intensive care, some of the patients stories and journeys. There are so many of these types of books out just now covering the medical profession, behind the scenes, heart breaking journeys of patients.
This book is a bit different as we get a lot of the background on the medical, how we have the service and procedures we do now. I think for some this may be a bit much but I really enjoyed it, I love reading about medical history and how far we have come along in our knowledge and techniques. I think it is a very important book, tomorrow is never guaranteed and you can never imagine the journey some folk endure both as patients and family of loved ones who experience horrific accidents or when their body fails them.
We get a walk through some of Morgan's patients, their recovery and for some of the ones who didn't make it. Emotive, shocking, educational, shocking, heartbreaking - I can't recommend these true stories/healthcare enough, 4/5 for me this time.
May 23, 2019
Dr Matt Morgan’s book ‘Critical’ is an outline of the workings of The Intensive Care Unit. This ICU Consultant explains that his research papers are read by a small number of people, and his use of the novel form is in the hope of reaching a wider audience, including his past and future patients.
Has this worked, I wonder? It did for me, but in the context of a close friend who has just completed a three month stay in ICU, with me perched alongside a lot of the time. I had a reason for reading it- or possibly not reading it (it took a while to decide).
Dr Morgan proceeds, much along the lines of a research paper, with an introduction, the history of the development of life support systems, followed by chapters on major organs - how they work and how they can malfunction- culminating in a chapter on the soul.
But this logical structure is reassuring and provides shelter against often unsettling but always fascinating reading. This is not an entertaining book, but it is interesting, informative and well-written.
I’m not sure if this book would have prepared me for my ICU experience, had I happened to read it beforehand, but at least I am now better qualified to associate with the ICU and its function as described by Dr Morgan.
I personally believe that the NHS is well and truly broken in the UK and that lack of resources leaves us in the lap of the Gods. But Dr Morgan signs off by saying his job involves working hard, asking questions and being kind. I would go further. Critical care teams make the most unlikely outcomes possible. We all need to be aware of this.
With thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster UK Fiction
Has this worked, I wonder? It did for me, but in the context of a close friend who has just completed a three month stay in ICU, with me perched alongside a lot of the time. I had a reason for reading it- or possibly not reading it (it took a while to decide).
Dr Morgan proceeds, much along the lines of a research paper, with an introduction, the history of the development of life support systems, followed by chapters on major organs - how they work and how they can malfunction- culminating in a chapter on the soul.
But this logical structure is reassuring and provides shelter against often unsettling but always fascinating reading. This is not an entertaining book, but it is interesting, informative and well-written.
I’m not sure if this book would have prepared me for my ICU experience, had I happened to read it beforehand, but at least I am now better qualified to associate with the ICU and its function as described by Dr Morgan.
I personally believe that the NHS is well and truly broken in the UK and that lack of resources leaves us in the lap of the Gods. But Dr Morgan signs off by saying his job involves working hard, asking questions and being kind. I would go further. Critical care teams make the most unlikely outcomes possible. We all need to be aware of this.
With thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster UK Fiction
June 6, 2024
Some lines that stood out to me:
"Even if troublesome facts about a patient's past are true, care is not a commodity that should be sanctioned through worth. Using withdrawal of care as punishment is a slippery slope to a society that loses respect for human life." (p.60)
"Today, more people die from overnutrution than undernutrition. If ethanol is the most destructive substance in Western society, carbohydrates come a close second. [...] We need to change our equipment in hospitals to simply cope with this new challenge: stronger and bigger beds, and hoists." (p.183)
"Look after the system and you will look after its workers. Look after the workers and they will look after the patients." (p.235)
"Even if troublesome facts about a patient's past are true, care is not a commodity that should be sanctioned through worth. Using withdrawal of care as punishment is a slippery slope to a society that loses respect for human life." (p.60)
"Today, more people die from overnutrution than undernutrition. If ethanol is the most destructive substance in Western society, carbohydrates come a close second. [...] We need to change our equipment in hospitals to simply cope with this new challenge: stronger and bigger beds, and hoists." (p.183)
"Look after the system and you will look after its workers. Look after the workers and they will look after the patients." (p.235)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for sending me a copy of this book.
I managed to listen to the audio of this book, and I'm so glad I did. Matt narrated the book himself and it was brilliant. An extremely informative and great insight into what it's like to work on the ICU ward of a hospital.
I really enjoyed Adam Kay's This is Going to Hurt last year when I read it so I had high hopes for this one as well. And it didn't let me down. Probably a little bit more graphic and also more informative than TIGTH but equally as interesting.
I managed to listen to the audio of this book, and I'm so glad I did. Matt narrated the book himself and it was brilliant. An extremely informative and great insight into what it's like to work on the ICU ward of a hospital.
I really enjoyed Adam Kay's This is Going to Hurt last year when I read it so I had high hopes for this one as well. And it didn't let me down. Probably a little bit more graphic and also more informative than TIGTH but equally as interesting.
June 27, 2023
Tą ksiażke czytali sie długo, a jesli zrobilo sie przerwe pomiedzy rozdzialami trudno bylo sie polapac z dalsza historia. Ta ksiazka dotyczyla bardziej odczuc i przezyc lekarza i co z tego wyciagna (przemysleni i lekcje zyciowe). Nie za czesto pojawialy sie opisy zabiegow czy operacji, chociaz musze przyznac ze koncowe rozdzialy byly naprawde 5/5, byly NAPRAWDE bardzo ciekawe, opisujace nie odczucia lekarza ale pacjenta. Ogolnie ksiazka byla w miare.
October 14, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is not overlong, but it is full of interesting stories and insights into life, and death, on a hospital Intensive Care Unit. Matt Morgan is an engaging narrator, and I found it fascinating to read the history of some of the techniques that today routinely save lives. The ethical questions he raises are also interesting. We are now able to save many more people through the developments in intensive care medicine, but there is often a cost to pay in terms of the patient's future ability to lead an independent life free from pain, so even if we can does that mean we ought to? Each patient is an individual and what is right for one may be wrong for another. The author raises these questions with care and sensitivity and it really makes the reader think.
Thank you to the publishers for providing me with a copy via Netgalley, in return for an honest review.
Thank you to the publishers for providing me with a copy via Netgalley, in return for an honest review.
September 2, 2022
Opinia mojej Lubej:
Z książkami z tematyki około medycznej miałam już styczność kilka razy. Jako, że nie mam nic wspólnego z tą branżą, to każda opowieść o tym, jak to jest być lekarzem, jest dla mnie szalenie ciekawa. Niestety, tym razem coś nie zagrało.
Dr Matt Morgan jest intensywistą, muszę przyznać, że nie spotkałam się wcześniej z tym określeniem, ale w skrócie oznacza to, że pracuje na oddziale intensywnej terapii. Można więc się zatem domyślić, że nie trafiają tam pacjenci ze skaleczonym kolanem. Dr Morgan opisuje najciekawsze lub najtrudniejsze w zdiagnozowaniu przypadki, z jakimi się zetknął.
Książka podzielona jest na rozdziały poświęcone poszczególnym narządom, a do każdego z nich autor dobrał konkretny przypadek pacjenta. Wszystko byłoby dobrze, gdyby nie to, że poza ciekawymi osobami autor opisuje BARDZO dokładnie działanie narządów, układów, jak one funkcjonują, co może nie zadziałać i dlaczego. Tak, robi to w przystępny sposób, dzięki czemu każdy laik zrozumie, w jaki sposób działają poszczególne rzeczy. Widziałabym to jednak w podręczniku do biologii. Dodatkowo w tej krótkiej książce znajdziemy również historię medycyny, kilka znaczących dla medycyny osób, jak konkretnie działa brytyjska służba zdrowia, ciekawostki administracyjne i absurdy systemu kształcenia przyszłych lekarzy. Tego wszystkiego było po prostu za dużo i odciągało uwagę od głównego tematu, nie mówiąc o tym, że bywało nużące.
Jeżeli jest to pierwsza pozycja medyczna, z którą macie styczność, prawie na pewno przypadnie wam do gustu. Matt Morgan opowiada w bardzo lekki przystępny sposób, jakby prowadził was za rękę. Mimo specyfiki swojej pracy zachował poczucie humoru, pokorę i ogromne pokłady empatii i za to ogromny plus. Ilość ciekawostek i rozpraszaczy moim zdaniem zbędna, bardzo rzutuje na ocenę. Nie jest to zła książka, ale nie tego się spodziewałam.
Z książkami z tematyki około medycznej miałam już styczność kilka razy. Jako, że nie mam nic wspólnego z tą branżą, to każda opowieść o tym, jak to jest być lekarzem, jest dla mnie szalenie ciekawa. Niestety, tym razem coś nie zagrało.
Dr Matt Morgan jest intensywistą, muszę przyznać, że nie spotkałam się wcześniej z tym określeniem, ale w skrócie oznacza to, że pracuje na oddziale intensywnej terapii. Można więc się zatem domyślić, że nie trafiają tam pacjenci ze skaleczonym kolanem. Dr Morgan opisuje najciekawsze lub najtrudniejsze w zdiagnozowaniu przypadki, z jakimi się zetknął.
Książka podzielona jest na rozdziały poświęcone poszczególnym narządom, a do każdego z nich autor dobrał konkretny przypadek pacjenta. Wszystko byłoby dobrze, gdyby nie to, że poza ciekawymi osobami autor opisuje BARDZO dokładnie działanie narządów, układów, jak one funkcjonują, co może nie zadziałać i dlaczego. Tak, robi to w przystępny sposób, dzięki czemu każdy laik zrozumie, w jaki sposób działają poszczególne rzeczy. Widziałabym to jednak w podręczniku do biologii. Dodatkowo w tej krótkiej książce znajdziemy również historię medycyny, kilka znaczących dla medycyny osób, jak konkretnie działa brytyjska służba zdrowia, ciekawostki administracyjne i absurdy systemu kształcenia przyszłych lekarzy. Tego wszystkiego było po prostu za dużo i odciągało uwagę od głównego tematu, nie mówiąc o tym, że bywało nużące.
Jeżeli jest to pierwsza pozycja medyczna, z którą macie styczność, prawie na pewno przypadnie wam do gustu. Matt Morgan opowiada w bardzo lekki przystępny sposób, jakby prowadził was za rękę. Mimo specyfiki swojej pracy zachował poczucie humoru, pokorę i ogromne pokłady empatii i za to ogromny plus. Ilość ciekawostek i rozpraszaczy moim zdaniem zbędna, bardzo rzutuje na ocenę. Nie jest to zła książka, ale nie tego się spodziewałam.
October 23, 2019
3.5 stars
I listened to the audio book of this one, and although I really enjoyed it, I wasn’t absolutely and completely taken by it as some other people have been.
Although the author does use a number of real life cases as part of this book, I also found that there was less of this than I expected there to be. There was a fair amount of talk about illnesses, virus, bacteria, how an ICU works, the debate about medical research and how much should be spent on it, medical procedures etc. I would have liked to hear more about the actual crisis that go on in an ICU ward, the drama, the pressure, the injuries and what caused them…basically a bit more about the thin line between life and death. It seemed that many of the stories told didn’t actually portray the extreme pressure and drama that must go on in such a ward. Perhaps what I was looking for was more info and true life cases involving emergency admissions, rather than the more “standard” admissions, such a Mervin whose lungs were collapsing due to his many years of smoking, or the admission of a little girl who had eaten off chicken in a local restaurant. Interesting? Yes, most of the time. Gripping? No, not really. And perhaps that blame falls more on me, rather than the author or the book. Maybe my expectations were a little bit off.
Having said that, there were many things to love about this book. The author’s dedication to his career is clear, and his caring and loving nature also come through in no uncertain terms. I’m sure that most of us have had experiences of doctors, surgeons and other specialists that have left us very underwhelmed in terms of their absolute and total lack of any sort of genuine empathy or “bedside manner”. I know that I definitely have. And that isn’t the impression that I was left with after listening to this book. This is one doctor that actually really cares about not only his patients but also their families.
Overall, a really enjoyable and informative read, but perhaps lacking the “drama” that would have made the read an absolutely engrossing one.
I listened to the audio book of this one, and although I really enjoyed it, I wasn’t absolutely and completely taken by it as some other people have been.
Although the author does use a number of real life cases as part of this book, I also found that there was less of this than I expected there to be. There was a fair amount of talk about illnesses, virus, bacteria, how an ICU works, the debate about medical research and how much should be spent on it, medical procedures etc. I would have liked to hear more about the actual crisis that go on in an ICU ward, the drama, the pressure, the injuries and what caused them…basically a bit more about the thin line between life and death. It seemed that many of the stories told didn’t actually portray the extreme pressure and drama that must go on in such a ward. Perhaps what I was looking for was more info and true life cases involving emergency admissions, rather than the more “standard” admissions, such a Mervin whose lungs were collapsing due to his many years of smoking, or the admission of a little girl who had eaten off chicken in a local restaurant. Interesting? Yes, most of the time. Gripping? No, not really. And perhaps that blame falls more on me, rather than the author or the book. Maybe my expectations were a little bit off.
Having said that, there were many things to love about this book. The author’s dedication to his career is clear, and his caring and loving nature also come through in no uncertain terms. I’m sure that most of us have had experiences of doctors, surgeons and other specialists that have left us very underwhelmed in terms of their absolute and total lack of any sort of genuine empathy or “bedside manner”. I know that I definitely have. And that isn’t the impression that I was left with after listening to this book. This is one doctor that actually really cares about not only his patients but also their families.
Overall, a really enjoyable and informative read, but perhaps lacking the “drama” that would have made the read an absolutely engrossing one.
May 31, 2019
Dr Morgan says all right things about more diversity, compassion and personalisation in medicine, and I applaud his attempts to tell both fellow medics and potential patients what it should be like. I’ve visited ITU both professionally to see patients, and personally when my stepfather died of respiratory failure, and I’m glad doctors like Matt are trying to take the time to be better, be more human and humane. He mentions the “Hello my name is” campaign, and many others, past and present, that have sought to improve medicine, whether through the equipment, method or delivery of care. He bigs up the need for research to run in tandem with awareness campaigns, and he’s clearly managed to keep hold of his passion for intensive care medicine, which I understand is an incredibly draining specialty. He has lots of stories of patients he’s seen, which gives the book some fascinating insights into various diseases and how the body reacts, though the tales are sometimes a little meandery. All in all, it’s my kind of book. I read out the bit about smoking not really being a stress reliever to both husband and teenage daughter, and almost the story about the girl with Crohns, but I get that they’re not as keen as I am on these sorts of details. If you liked Atul Gawande, Paul Kalanithi, Henry Marsh, Stephen Westaby, then you’ll undoubtedly like this too.
January 28, 2021
What a time to be reading this incredibly informative book, during the first pandemic for 100 years! It was so incredibly sad to hear of the tragic underfunding of our treasured NHS, at a time before it is not only tragically underfunded still, but also buckling under the pressure of this terrible deadly virus. Hearing of the ICU ratio of one intensive care nurse to just one patient would seem a luxury now, with so many areas stretched to unmanageable proportions. The luxury is ours to have such a wonderful health system, the envy of the world - take it for granted at your peril!
April 3, 2022
Thank you to the publishers for providing an ARC of this book through NetGalley.
This was a really insightful and complex look into the world of intensive care. It was really interesting and fascinating and I can't wait for the author's future works.
This was a really insightful and complex look into the world of intensive care. It was really interesting and fascinating and I can't wait for the author's future works.
July 20, 2019
Amazing. A good mix of patient stories and medical knowledge. As a nurse I enjoyed this book.
May 24, 2019
This is a completely different book to what I would normal read and review but I was intrigued to get some insight from a doctors point of view, as I have been the family member sat in intensive care waiting for my son to pull through. This book is utterly heartbreaking but also heart warming to read about how families and medical professionals work together to try and help the lives of patients who are critically ill. I have seen many teams and got close to many doctors and nurses while they fought to keep my son alive and if it wasn't for their sheer determination and them believing that my son had it in him to fight then he wouldn't be here today. I have always said doctors and nurses don't get enough praise for the work they do. They go above and beyond the call of duty and this book proves that. I urge you to buy this and read it. It might just change how you treat the professionals who help us day in and day out. The stories of the many lives they made a difference too warms my heart. This book may also help you save the life of your loved ones, it may help you recognise symptoms of series illnesses just in time before they destroy the life of your loved one. I want to take a moment to thank all the medical professionals who have been involved in my life and my families lives, thank you for everything you do, you have made our lives so much better and I can't thank you enough for what you all go through everyday. You deserve to be recognized and respected for making a difference to people's lives.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book I will certainly remember it, thank you to Dr Matt for sharing the stories of your patients , most of all thank you to the families for allowing us to read about the traumatic experience you went through. The stories of your loved ones will stay with me forever.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book I will certainly remember it, thank you to Dr Matt for sharing the stories of your patients , most of all thank you to the families for allowing us to read about the traumatic experience you went through. The stories of your loved ones will stay with me forever.
March 5, 2019
“You are my past patient, my future patient, the son, daughter, father, mother of my patient”
Dr Matt Morgan takes us into his world , life on an intensive care unit, giving us unrivalled access to what goes on behind those double doors and we get a powerful insight into the mind making life and death decisions. We look at the machines that keep people alive working tirelessly when there own bodies can’t and we learn about the main organs in the human body, there functions and limitations and what happens when they stop working. Each chapter tells us the story of real patients treated in intensive care and the struggle to keep them alive, the anguish when lives can’t be saved or when it’s not in the patients best interest to keep them alive, we see the affects of these everyday decisions have on the patients, their families and the doctor.
Superbly written and the author has tried his best to provide the simplest explanation often drawing examples from everyday life to explain and visualise what happens to the body “the jostling of ice cubes in a glass of whiskey akin to a brain floating in spinal fluid”, following blows to the head it makes for a truly fascinating gripping read . He wants you to experience the sounds, smells and sights of an icu and he does just that !
Dr Morgan shows compassion understanding and respect to his patients and there families both in life and death
He tells us a intensive care doctor is an “intensivist , critical care doctor , resuscitationist to name a few but he forgot to add unsung hero!
April 29, 2019
This was an amazing book, such a fascinating insight into the world of Intensive Care and the work of an Intensivist.
I work for the NHS as a Nurse but have never stepped into an Intensive Care Unit professionally but after reading this, I wish that I had.
I have visited relatives and the care exhibited was second to none. It was clear from Dr Morgan’s testimony that the culture within these units is one based on respect for each individual that is cared for. His passion was clear to see, with each tale told his care came across in each and every word.
The book is divided into sections based on physiological systems in the body and each chapter included the case study of a real patient that Dr Morgan had cared for. While describing the condition that brought them into intensive care and how this was treated Dr Morgan also tells the reader about the real person behind the machines that are keeping them alive. Each chapter contains fascinating stories as to the history of a particular condition or treatment.
I sincerely hope that if I or any of my relatives need to stay in Intensive Care that I have a Dr and a team around me that are just as considerate and compassionate.
I work for the NHS as a Nurse but have never stepped into an Intensive Care Unit professionally but after reading this, I wish that I had.
I have visited relatives and the care exhibited was second to none. It was clear from Dr Morgan’s testimony that the culture within these units is one based on respect for each individual that is cared for. His passion was clear to see, with each tale told his care came across in each and every word.
The book is divided into sections based on physiological systems in the body and each chapter included the case study of a real patient that Dr Morgan had cared for. While describing the condition that brought them into intensive care and how this was treated Dr Morgan also tells the reader about the real person behind the machines that are keeping them alive. Each chapter contains fascinating stories as to the history of a particular condition or treatment.
I sincerely hope that if I or any of my relatives need to stay in Intensive Care that I have a Dr and a team around me that are just as considerate and compassionate.
July 16, 2019
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for letting me have a copy of this before it is published.
I find things that are medical fascinating and sometimes things which explain death and I found this a really good book on working in an Intensive Care Unit. I have a friend who works in an ICU and she has told me stories but I often thought they may have been a bit over the top until I read this. I found Dr Morgan to be is extremely moving particular in his approach.
Critical is one of those books you’ll find yourself reading out passages to people. Everything from what could kill you to how talking to someone who has lost someone (which I do now and again in my job so that part was helpful) .
It is a book I would probably read again in the future and if I had the paperback I wouldn't away.
I would definitely recommend.
Reviewed on Amazon too
I find things that are medical fascinating and sometimes things which explain death and I found this a really good book on working in an Intensive Care Unit. I have a friend who works in an ICU and she has told me stories but I often thought they may have been a bit over the top until I read this. I found Dr Morgan to be is extremely moving particular in his approach.
Critical is one of those books you’ll find yourself reading out passages to people. Everything from what could kill you to how talking to someone who has lost someone (which I do now and again in my job so that part was helpful) .
It is a book I would probably read again in the future and if I had the paperback I wouldn't away.
I would definitely recommend.
Reviewed on Amazon too
May 25, 2019
What happens in a hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU)? What is the history behind the techniques and treatments used to save those who are seriously ill? This memoir covers both the scientific and the personal stories which answer these questions.
I thought this was a fascinating book, with just the right balance between personal stories and medical knowledge. Each chapter dealt with a particular area of the body which was a great way to cover such an extensive subject. From the importance of research, to the inevitable end for us all, I really feel as if I have learnt a lot and I suddenly have the urge to start treating my body a lot better than I have in the past. A definite recommend for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers, Simon & Schuster UK, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
I thought this was a fascinating book, with just the right balance between personal stories and medical knowledge. Each chapter dealt with a particular area of the body which was a great way to cover such an extensive subject. From the importance of research, to the inevitable end for us all, I really feel as if I have learnt a lot and I suddenly have the urge to start treating my body a lot better than I have in the past. A definite recommend for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers, Simon & Schuster UK, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
September 4, 2021
I found this a very insightful book. I learned a lot about the stresses and strains of working inside Intensive Care and as a healthcare worker, I also understood some of the thoughts and feelings shared by all of us who are caring for the sick.
Matt Morgan uses real-life stories to illustrate how different parts of the body work and what can cause them to stop working. There are facts and figures that support Morgan’s ideas and provide real world references to the points he is making.
He also takes the opportunity to self-reflect, which, in the healthcare setting is really important. Carry with you the way previous patients have made you feel, carry with you the lives you couldn’t save because in the moments that matter, those thoughts and feelings may just save the life of another.
Matt Morgan uses real-life stories to illustrate how different parts of the body work and what can cause them to stop working. There are facts and figures that support Morgan’s ideas and provide real world references to the points he is making.
He also takes the opportunity to self-reflect, which, in the healthcare setting is really important. Carry with you the way previous patients have made you feel, carry with you the lives you couldn’t save because in the moments that matter, those thoughts and feelings may just save the life of another.
May 14, 2024
Throughout this book about critical care, the focus is on the patients who require intensive treatment to overcome their severe illness. Unfortunately many will not survive and the emphasis switches to making sure their death is as good as it can be. Each chapter deals with a different system of the body and the problems that can arise. The complex relationships between different organs under stress is described in simple terms.
Dr Morgan is clearly a compassionate doctor who cares about his patients and the people he works with. He describes his job as the best in the world. Let’s hope that those in power protect and support the NHS and those who work in it so that there will be more Dr Morgans who feel the same way in years to come.
Dr Morgan is clearly a compassionate doctor who cares about his patients and the people he works with. He describes his job as the best in the world. Let’s hope that those in power protect and support the NHS and those who work in it so that there will be more Dr Morgans who feel the same way in years to come.
September 4, 2024
A great book peeking into the life of a critical care physician and the patients of the ICU. Doctor Matt Morgan journeys through patients with different emergency medical illnesses like ruptored aortas, septic shocks, pulmunary embolysms, trauma injuries and neurological emergencies. Out of each patients story, Dr. Matt Morgan explores the different aspects of patient care and teamwork required to save a patient's life. Two great points I learned from reading this books is the importance of communication with a patient and his/her family during the most difficult period of their life and knowing when a treatment prolonges death and prevents the patient passing away comfortably with their loved ones. Intensive care is a blend of paliative treatments as well as life saving interventions and knowing which to perform on each patient requires the dexterity and skill of a skillfull physician like Dr. Matt Morgan.
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