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A Map of the Child: A Pediatrician's Tour of the Body
During his residency at the legendary Children's Hospital in Boston, a young doctor explores the inner workings of a child's body
Dr. Darshak Sanghavi has learned to read the body-to recognize patterns of sickness, apply modern medical technology when warranted, and to offer comfort through human contact, all vital skills when working with patients who are often too young or too ill to speak. In this compelling book, he shares his experiences by taking the reader on a dramatic tour of a child's eight vital organs, beginning with the lungs and proceeding through the heart, blood, bones, brain, skin, gonads, and gut.
Along the way, we meet children and families in extraordinary circumstances, such as a premature baby named Adam Flax who was born with undeveloped lungs, a Japanese infant with a blockage in his heart, a young girl who sees ghosts and grows too fast, a teenage boy with a positive pregnancy test, and a young girl who keeps losing weight despite her voracious appetite. Using such stories as windows on the wonders and tragedies of human biology, the author examines the development and inner workings of children's bodies from birth through adolescence.
In a deeply personal narrative, Sanghavi comes to terms with the great advances and continued limitations of modern medicine, even as he provides a richly detailed-and humanized-portrait of how the pediatric body functions in sickness and health.
Dr. Darshak Sanghavi has learned to read the body-to recognize patterns of sickness, apply modern medical technology when warranted, and to offer comfort through human contact, all vital skills when working with patients who are often too young or too ill to speak. In this compelling book, he shares his experiences by taking the reader on a dramatic tour of a child's eight vital organs, beginning with the lungs and proceeding through the heart, blood, bones, brain, skin, gonads, and gut.
Along the way, we meet children and families in extraordinary circumstances, such as a premature baby named Adam Flax who was born with undeveloped lungs, a Japanese infant with a blockage in his heart, a young girl who sees ghosts and grows too fast, a teenage boy with a positive pregnancy test, and a young girl who keeps losing weight despite her voracious appetite. Using such stories as windows on the wonders and tragedies of human biology, the author examines the development and inner workings of children's bodies from birth through adolescence.
In a deeply personal narrative, Sanghavi comes to terms with the great advances and continued limitations of modern medicine, even as he provides a richly detailed-and humanized-portrait of how the pediatric body functions in sickness and health.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 8, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 16, 2014
Really well done look at the body and some of the ways it works (or doesn't), as seen in children. The cases themselves are interesting -- some involving common ailments; others involving much stranger problems -- but what's especially useful is that he uses example after example to couch things in terms that a layperson will understand. He also pulls extensively from outsider sources to provide a broader picture or just more interesting knowledge, and he's able to tackle difficult topics with perspective and balance.
A bit of follow-up to the brief mention of the boy raised as a girl after a botched circumcision (pages 218-219): he killed himself in 2004 following years of depression. There were other factors than his childhood, but I remember watching a film in a Women's Studies class in which he -- shown in silhouette only -- talked about how miserable it had made him to believe for so long that something was wrong with him. Reminds me of how glad I am that progress, however slow at times, is being made.
A bit of follow-up to the brief mention of the boy raised as a girl after a botched circumcision (pages 218-219): he killed himself in 2004 following years of depression. There were other factors than his childhood, but I remember watching a film in a Women's Studies class in which he -- shown in silhouette only -- talked about how miserable it had made him to believe for so long that something was wrong with him. Reminds me of how glad I am that progress, however slow at times, is being made.
May 4, 2021
Stimulating from the first to last page! This book is an entertaining read, but it's also a learning experience, which might well move you to tears of both sadness and joy.
Expect to come away with a better understanding of anatomy, and the resilience of children (& their families) in general. But, don't be too surprised if you develop a newfound respect along the way for those in the medical professions. Especially those who deal with the smallest and most vulnerable of us: the little humans whose needs are immeasurable. A great read for anyone, who enjoys exercising their compassion, but an absolute must-read for any family supporting a child through long-term health issues.
Expect to come away with a better understanding of anatomy, and the resilience of children (& their families) in general. But, don't be too surprised if you develop a newfound respect along the way for those in the medical professions. Especially those who deal with the smallest and most vulnerable of us: the little humans whose needs are immeasurable. A great read for anyone, who enjoys exercising their compassion, but an absolute must-read for any family supporting a child through long-term health issues.
February 20, 2018
Although a great description of childhood anatomy and diseases, the treatments of those diseases are antiquated. It is impressive how medical science has advanced since this book was written in 2003.
August 5, 2011
This book was SO interesting and really got me interested in pediatric cardiology. I read it as part of my Cell Biology class and eventually went to a discussion group about it which was great. Dr. Sanghavi wove personal stories from his years of experience and practice with scientific and medical facts, creating an interesting and informative read. I would highly, highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the medical field, especially with an interest in peds/cardiology, but also suggest it for anyone who wants an interesting and easy to read nonfiction. Very good!
May 14, 2009
I really liked this book. The author, who is a pediatrician, shares interesting stories from his practice as he discusses treating various parts of the body. He addresses different cultures and relationships, as well. Dr. Sanghavi concludes with a brief discussion of the challenge to treat the whole person, rather than focusing on treating segments of the body. We care for people, not parts.
September 7, 2007
I love this book. It walks through the systems of the body, but in a human way with great stories. I used to work with the author at UMass Memorial Children's Medical Center in Worcester, MA. What a wonderful physician!
August 22, 2012
This book is a must for all parents, even if you don't have a medical background. I quickly gained appreciation for the immense strength children have in the toughest of circumstances, as well awe and thanks to the physicians and nurses who take care of them.
April 20, 2009
Beautifully written exploration of the human body and illnesses of childhood portrayed vividly through the lives and stories of real patients.
February 25, 2010
Really enjoyed the stories in this book...fun way to go through the body.
September 7, 2011
Loved this, but I think I am biased because I just think the human body is an amazing miracle and I love learning about it! A very good author, the book was literally a page-turner for me.
March 10, 2012
Very awesome!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews