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50 Years in the OR: True Stories of Life, Loss, and Laughter While Giving Anesthesia
The First Book about the Unsung Heroes of the Operating RoomRon Whitchurch has the observation, wit and insight of a modern day Mark Twain and the eyebrows and mustache to match."
— Koco Eaton, MD, ABOS, Team Physician, Tampa Bay Rays
“An extraordinary book which brilliantly and compellingly conveys the day-to-day workings of the operating room.”
— Kevin M. Sweeney, MD, board-certified neurosurgeon, former chief of Neurosurgery of Mease hospitals in Dunedin and Clearwater, Florida
It’s a busy time for the anesthetist during surgery. Keeping a watchful eye on the patient’s vital signs and being prepared for any possibilities that might develop are an anesthetist’s prime focus. Each case is unique, whether it’s a scheduled surgery on a healthy patient, an emergency or a critical illness. They all require analytical judgments along with many skills to manage them.
Ron Whitchurch wrote this wildly entertaining book to offer a firsthand look at what happens after patients are anesthetized and what challenges the staff face in keeping them healthy and safe.
50 Years in the OR gives readers an intimate sense of what it’s like to be the only person in the OR who knows the heartbeat-to-heartbeat status of a surgical patient at any given moment.
— Koco Eaton, MD, ABOS, Team Physician, Tampa Bay Rays
“An extraordinary book which brilliantly and compellingly conveys the day-to-day workings of the operating room.”
— Kevin M. Sweeney, MD, board-certified neurosurgeon, former chief of Neurosurgery of Mease hospitals in Dunedin and Clearwater, Florida
It’s a busy time for the anesthetist during surgery. Keeping a watchful eye on the patient’s vital signs and being prepared for any possibilities that might develop are an anesthetist’s prime focus. Each case is unique, whether it’s a scheduled surgery on a healthy patient, an emergency or a critical illness. They all require analytical judgments along with many skills to manage them.
Ron Whitchurch wrote this wildly entertaining book to offer a firsthand look at what happens after patients are anesthetized and what challenges the staff face in keeping them healthy and safe.
50 Years in the OR gives readers an intimate sense of what it’s like to be the only person in the OR who knows the heartbeat-to-heartbeat status of a surgical patient at any given moment.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2020
113 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 5, 2021
An observational, witty and insightful read...
An anesthetist nurse is a registered nurse who has educational training in administering anesthesia. They work in hospitals mostly in the surgical areas where they administer anesthesia to patients who are going in for surgery. Their work is to make sure that the patients get enough levels of the drug before they can go in for their procedures or surgeries. This is a very sensitive job and thus the nurse needs to have special training on how to handle the anesthesia and the anesthetics in the proper way. They also need to have experience working with patient care.
50 Years in the OR: True Stories of Life, Loss, and Laughter While Giving Anesthesia by Ronald Whitchurch was a fascinating observational, entertaining and insightful read. The author communicates almost 50 years of experience by sharing many stories and anecdotes about the growth of his profession. At times, this book was emotional and heartrending while also sprinkled throughout with entertaining and hilarious stories.
A highly recommended and must-read for anyone interested in, or considering entering into, the medical profession. The book contains adult themes so would make it unsuitable for the younger (or squeamish) reader. A well-deserved five stars from me.
An anesthetist nurse is a registered nurse who has educational training in administering anesthesia. They work in hospitals mostly in the surgical areas where they administer anesthesia to patients who are going in for surgery. Their work is to make sure that the patients get enough levels of the drug before they can go in for their procedures or surgeries. This is a very sensitive job and thus the nurse needs to have special training on how to handle the anesthesia and the anesthetics in the proper way. They also need to have experience working with patient care.
50 Years in the OR: True Stories of Life, Loss, and Laughter While Giving Anesthesia by Ronald Whitchurch was a fascinating observational, entertaining and insightful read. The author communicates almost 50 years of experience by sharing many stories and anecdotes about the growth of his profession. At times, this book was emotional and heartrending while also sprinkled throughout with entertaining and hilarious stories.
A highly recommended and must-read for anyone interested in, or considering entering into, the medical profession. The book contains adult themes so would make it unsuitable for the younger (or squeamish) reader. A well-deserved five stars from me.
February 16, 2021
This book is an account of over thirty years in the medical field. Some stories so unbelievable that you can only think it must be true. It ranges from comical too scary to life changing moments throughout the author’s career.
With the stories you notice the changes in the medical field, how procedures have changed and become modernized. No doubt the author led an interesting life.
I found it refreshing and insightful. It gives you glimpse in this field you only see or read from a doctor’s perspective. This field though gives you new light on how far the medical profession has come and how people perceive it.
It is written with clear knowledge and understanding while the author’s writing is truthful and witty at the same time. Sharing firsthand experiences after his diagnose of multiple myeloma was truly touching. It invokes so much empathy within. God always knows what we need and when. This can be seen till the end.
I want to congratulate the author with the writing of this book. This is truly a wonderful milestone he can be proud off. May you experience continuous health in your golden years. You are blessed and highly favoured.
With the stories you notice the changes in the medical field, how procedures have changed and become modernized. No doubt the author led an interesting life.
I found it refreshing and insightful. It gives you glimpse in this field you only see or read from a doctor’s perspective. This field though gives you new light on how far the medical profession has come and how people perceive it.
It is written with clear knowledge and understanding while the author’s writing is truthful and witty at the same time. Sharing firsthand experiences after his diagnose of multiple myeloma was truly touching. It invokes so much empathy within. God always knows what we need and when. This can be seen till the end.
I want to congratulate the author with the writing of this book. This is truly a wonderful milestone he can be proud off. May you experience continuous health in your golden years. You are blessed and highly favoured.
February 11, 2021
Real life stories from an anesthetist.
Ronald Whitchurch, the author of this fascinating book, is now retired and living in Florida with his wife Lonni. As an already qualified RN he went on to graduate from the Minneapolis School of Anesthesia, and began working as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) in 1971.
I have to admit that I have only been anesthetised once, when I had my daughter, so I hadn’t really thought very much about what an anaesthetist does. I suppose I thought they just put people to sleep when they had operations, and then ensured they came around afterwards. I really didn’t appreciate how varied, hands-on, and difficult their work was. And, I must admit having that one and only experience of anesthesia, I asked the same question as the lady in the entertaining chapter titled ‘Worried I Won’t Wake Up.’
The author really does tells a lovely story. Immediately he captivated me, and drew me into his world as an anesthetist, and I can tell you, it was a real eye-opener. There were so many incredible stories to read about, some were of the ‘you’d have to be there to believe it,’ variety, others were rather graphic, and some made you laugh. It was very difficult to pick a favorite, but one of mine had to be the ‘Three Tattoo Stories.’ You’ll have to read it to understand why, but it will make you smile...
I was also to discover that there were some life lessons thrown in to the stories, the one which most surprised me was the very sad and unpleasant chapter named ‘Brushing Teeth.’
The author doesn’t pull his punches. In this revealing book, the readers are treated to graphic descriptions of real events, and their outcomes, good or bad. However, I have to say that if you, like me, enjoy reading ‘true stories,’ and are interested in other people’s lives and careers, then this book is a real treat, and there’s even a glossary of terms at the back. Highly recommended!
Ronald Whitchurch, the author of this fascinating book, is now retired and living in Florida with his wife Lonni. As an already qualified RN he went on to graduate from the Minneapolis School of Anesthesia, and began working as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) in 1971.
I have to admit that I have only been anesthetised once, when I had my daughter, so I hadn’t really thought very much about what an anaesthetist does. I suppose I thought they just put people to sleep when they had operations, and then ensured they came around afterwards. I really didn’t appreciate how varied, hands-on, and difficult their work was. And, I must admit having that one and only experience of anesthesia, I asked the same question as the lady in the entertaining chapter titled ‘Worried I Won’t Wake Up.’
The author really does tells a lovely story. Immediately he captivated me, and drew me into his world as an anesthetist, and I can tell you, it was a real eye-opener. There were so many incredible stories to read about, some were of the ‘you’d have to be there to believe it,’ variety, others were rather graphic, and some made you laugh. It was very difficult to pick a favorite, but one of mine had to be the ‘Three Tattoo Stories.’ You’ll have to read it to understand why, but it will make you smile...
I was also to discover that there were some life lessons thrown in to the stories, the one which most surprised me was the very sad and unpleasant chapter named ‘Brushing Teeth.’
The author doesn’t pull his punches. In this revealing book, the readers are treated to graphic descriptions of real events, and their outcomes, good or bad. However, I have to say that if you, like me, enjoy reading ‘true stories,’ and are interested in other people’s lives and careers, then this book is a real treat, and there’s even a glossary of terms at the back. Highly recommended!
February 12, 2021
50 Years in the OR: True Stories of Life, Loss, and Laughter While Giving Anesthesia by Ronald Whitchurch who worked as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
This book is a raw and real account of his experience that spanned over 47 years, just shy of 50 years. This book is not for the faint-hearted or for those who are squeamish, but those who would see through these and miracles at the end of tunnel and the journey. If you're considering a career in this line, or as a service, this book gives an insight from the other side.
Very well written, sprinkled with humour and tales of joy of sorrow, this is a great book to understand what healthcare experts go though, day in and day out. Also the journey and the incidents can shed light on handling few situations for those in similar fields. A must read for healthcare professionals, or anyone really.
This book is a raw and real account of his experience that spanned over 47 years, just shy of 50 years. This book is not for the faint-hearted or for those who are squeamish, but those who would see through these and miracles at the end of tunnel and the journey. If you're considering a career in this line, or as a service, this book gives an insight from the other side.
Very well written, sprinkled with humour and tales of joy of sorrow, this is a great book to understand what healthcare experts go though, day in and day out. Also the journey and the incidents can shed light on handling few situations for those in similar fields. A must read for healthcare professionals, or anyone really.
May 6, 2021
Ron Whitchurch has written a book that shares some of the most memorable moments that have defined his career as a CRNA. You will be surprised, entertained, curious, and amazed at the events he has experienced and lived through. This book is a collection of memories that pulls the reader in and makes them feel like they are in the OR watching him at work. Ron Whitchurch has shed light on a profession that is not very well-known, but that is an essential part of critcal care and treatment in the medical world. You will learn a lot, and you will be touched by his honest writing and true stories.
February 20, 2021
Ron Whitchurch’s book is an insightful and honest exploration about how an OR nurse, specializing in anesthesia manages to cope. The stories contained in this book are priceless. They clearly showcase that a normal day for an anesthesiologist is difficult and hard to bear. Yet because of this its probably the most exhilarating and exciting type of nursing practise there is.
Whitchurch’s career spanned five decades. And during this time, he has a lot of stories from the OR. All his stories have heart and soul. They transport the reader into the world of the OR with all its successes and failures.
From airway management to intubation, working as an anesthesiologist requires skill, hard work, empathy, and much more. Some patients were boisterous. Others were patient. Some were in pain. Others were scared. Some patients were laughing. Some were crying. It wasn’t uncommon for Whitchurch to witness all these emotions in a day. Being an anesthesiologist was always an adventure.
Whitchurch was always extra empathic and patient with his patient. He always knew how scary it can be to go into surgery. However, when in the last third of his career he developed a deadly blood and immune system cancer called multiple myeloma, he had another kind of wake-up call. Before that he was in excellent physical condition. He was working full time and riding his bike about nine miles, three times a week. Suddenly, things became quite different.
The early symptoms he experienced were extreme bone pain in his ribs and sternum as well as thoracic pain. He had a cold which turned into pneumonia. This put him into the hospital. For the first time, he experienced how it felt to be a patient instead of a health care provider. Whitchurch now became aware firsthand what it meant to suffer and experience extreme pain. He knew how it was to be scared by a serious diagnosis. And he knew what it meant to feel hopeless because he no longer was able to function as he used to in the past.
Today, he continues to be in remission. But he must endure monthly infusions of an immunotherapy drug, along with pills, to keep him healthy. In the process, he developed even more empathy for his patients and what they were going through. This was a time of reckoning.
Its hard for any of us to know precisely what it is like to feel sick. Its equally difficult to realize how hard it is to go into major surgery with any kind of equanimity. All we know is that we need to have the surgery otherwise we will experience a low quality of life. When our thoughts get to this point, the choice is easier to make.
I loved this book. It is a book that will make you laugh and cry. But in the end, you will have an appreciation for how hard it is to be an anesthesiologist and how hard it is to ensure that you care for more than just the body but also reach into the inner depths of the patient. Because when it comes to administering health care, its important to care for the body and mind. That is what humane health care is all about.
To purchase Whitchurch’s informative and inspiring book, please double click on this link:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/50-Years-Stori...
March 21, 2023
I rated this book four stars because I read a lot of medical memoirs, and in terms of the writing and the storytelling, this one does not make it into my topmost tier of medical writers. It is a very anecdotal book filled with short case-based stories (most only a page or two long), and nothing tied the stories together. That being said, it was quite an enjoyable book, and I definitely learned some things I didn't know about anesthesia in the 1970s.
January 16, 2021
A highly entertaining memoir of this man's journey through his medical career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Some of the stories will rip your heart out, while others will have your falling out of your chair, laughing. May get a little technical for the layman at times but overall very enjoyable read.
March 28, 2021
Two fascinating people to Learn from
I didn't choose the rating, this kindle di d, and refuses to
Allow change. Ten stars would almost be adequate. Educate d speech, solid knowledge based on study,practice and a curious perspective of thought. Keep him writing Mrs. W,you have done well, too. Thank you both. Ly
I didn't choose the rating, this kindle di d, and refuses to
Allow change. Ten stars would almost be adequate. Educate d speech, solid knowledge based on study,practice and a curious perspective of thought. Keep him writing Mrs. W,you have done well, too. Thank you both. Ly
July 12, 2021
Best Medical AUTOBIOGRaphy!
Dr Whitchurch has written a highly entertaining as well as medically accurate autobiography. Having been a patient himself, he has unique insight into
what patients endure.
Dr Whitchurch has written a highly entertaining as well as medically accurate autobiography. Having been a patient himself, he has unique insight into
what patients endure.
May 2, 2022
For those who enjoy medical books, here's another point of view. Although Ron isn't the best writer, I sure did find out about what really goes into being an anesthetist, more than I thought. His many stories are very engaging and entertaining.
August 3, 2023
Such a great book!
Very well written and I was intrigued the entire time. I grew up in the Bemidji area and reading those stories was so much fun! I definitely recommend to anyone who is interested in health care!
Very well written and I was intrigued the entire time. I grew up in the Bemidji area and reading those stories was so much fun! I definitely recommend to anyone who is interested in health care!
May 15, 2021
A wonderful collection of stories from Ron's long anesthesia career. Coming from a fellow amesthetist I can say that I was entertained and amused and couldn't put the book down.
July 25, 2021
Many interesting stories of the cases this man was involved in. His story-telling needs improvement and I think he thinks a lot of himself.
December 22, 2021
Very interesting with a little humor mixed in.
This book was very good. It kept me entertained and I might of actually learned a thing or two. I would definitely recommend.
This book was very good. It kept me entertained and I might of actually learned a thing or two. I would definitely recommend.
April 4, 2022
A great book for any SRNA, CRNA, or anesthesia personnel. Lots of honest and truth, and some wild stuff I cannot even imagine. Anesthesia is amazing.
May 31, 2023
I always love reading about people's jobs and how they impact others. This was an easy read, as each "chapter" was a story about a case the author was a part of.
December 3, 2023
I love the stories in this book because it takes a real look of what happens behind the scenes of surgery. A nice lounging read.
January 24, 2024
A good book with lots of witty stories
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews