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A Scientific Revolution: Ten Men and Women Who Reinvented American Medicine
A prismatic examination of the evolution of medicine, from a trade to a science, through the exemplary lives of ten men and women.
Johns Hopkins University, one of the preeminent medical schools in the nation today, has played a unique role in the history of medicine. When it first opened its doors in 1893, medicine was a rough-and-ready trade. It would soon evolve into a rigorous science. It was nothing short of a revolution.
This transition might seem inevitable from our vantage point today. In recent years, medical science has mapped the human genome, deployed robotic tools to perform delicate surgeries, and developed effective vaccines against a host of deadly pathogens. But this transformation could not have happened without the game-changing vision, talent, and dedication of a small cadre of individuals who were willing to commit body and soul to the advancement of medical science, education, and treatment.
A Scientific Revolution recounts the stories of John Shaw Billings, Max Brödel, Mary Elizabeth Garrett, William Halsted, Jesse Lazear, Dorothy Reed Mendenhall, William Osler, Helen Taussig, Vivien Thomas, and William Welch. This chorus of lives tells a compelling tale not just of their individual struggles, but how personal and societal issues went hand-in-hand with the advancement of medicine.
Johns Hopkins University, one of the preeminent medical schools in the nation today, has played a unique role in the history of medicine. When it first opened its doors in 1893, medicine was a rough-and-ready trade. It would soon evolve into a rigorous science. It was nothing short of a revolution.
This transition might seem inevitable from our vantage point today. In recent years, medical science has mapped the human genome, deployed robotic tools to perform delicate surgeries, and developed effective vaccines against a host of deadly pathogens. But this transformation could not have happened without the game-changing vision, talent, and dedication of a small cadre of individuals who were willing to commit body and soul to the advancement of medical science, education, and treatment.
A Scientific Revolution recounts the stories of John Shaw Billings, Max Brödel, Mary Elizabeth Garrett, William Halsted, Jesse Lazear, Dorothy Reed Mendenhall, William Osler, Helen Taussig, Vivien Thomas, and William Welch. This chorus of lives tells a compelling tale not just of their individual struggles, but how personal and societal issues went hand-in-hand with the advancement of medicine.
408 pages, Hardcover
Published May 3, 2022
19 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 24, 2022
It's nice to be reminded of just how recently the practice of medicine became a science, that just a few generations in the past visionaries at legendary medical institutions like Johns Hopkins completely changed the culture of disease treatment and prevention. Who today even thinks about it? But there was a time that it was actually revolutionary to insist that surgeons wash their hands, for example. And beyond learning something about the individuals who promoted the sea change in medical care and training, it's an absolute delight to learn it through such engaging, well-written tales. Kudos to the authors here! For anyone who finds the recent history of medicine interesting, this deserves some space on your bookshelf.
October 12, 2022
I seldom read books about medical history, but was instantly drawn into the captivating stories of ten men and women "who reinvented American medicine" in this book written by Hruban and Will Linder together (Will's name should listed as author too.)
The book focuses on ten men and women, specifically from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and their contributions to creating a scientific approach to medicine. Previously, the book points out, medical schools were for-profit trade schools, and the men (no women) were admitted who "were too stupid for the bar and too immoral for the pulpit."
I love that fact that a strong, wealthy woman, Mary Elizabeth Garrett, was willing to fund a floundering Hopkins' School of Medicine, but she had a quid pro quo in return for her philanthropy: Hopkins would have to allow women to enter the school on an equal basis as men. She also demanded at least a college education to apply to the medical school, with specific course requirements.
Many men fought her, with sexist notions like women would not be able to bear children if they climbed stairs or would have constipation from working in the rigors of medicine.
Garrett's vision was secured because she had a vision for women's education and the money Hopkins needed.
The book goes on to highlight the live of nine other men and women who made scientific strides to make medicine a rigorous scientific field. A Black man, Vivien Thomas, did hundreds of experiments on dogs to devise an operation to save "Blue babies," who couldn't get oxygen to their lungs. Helen Taussig, made breakthroughs to save blue babies as well. Each, despite their brilliance, were victims of the rampant sexism and racism of their day, and never got their due credit.
You will be enthralled by the portraiture of each of the ten characters, and their contributions to today's scientific approach to medicine, that Hruban and Linder have created. Happy Reading!
The book focuses on ten men and women, specifically from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and their contributions to creating a scientific approach to medicine. Previously, the book points out, medical schools were for-profit trade schools, and the men (no women) were admitted who "were too stupid for the bar and too immoral for the pulpit."
I love that fact that a strong, wealthy woman, Mary Elizabeth Garrett, was willing to fund a floundering Hopkins' School of Medicine, but she had a quid pro quo in return for her philanthropy: Hopkins would have to allow women to enter the school on an equal basis as men. She also demanded at least a college education to apply to the medical school, with specific course requirements.
Many men fought her, with sexist notions like women would not be able to bear children if they climbed stairs or would have constipation from working in the rigors of medicine.
Garrett's vision was secured because she had a vision for women's education and the money Hopkins needed.
The book goes on to highlight the live of nine other men and women who made scientific strides to make medicine a rigorous scientific field. A Black man, Vivien Thomas, did hundreds of experiments on dogs to devise an operation to save "Blue babies," who couldn't get oxygen to their lungs. Helen Taussig, made breakthroughs to save blue babies as well. Each, despite their brilliance, were victims of the rampant sexism and racism of their day, and never got their due credit.
You will be enthralled by the portraiture of each of the ten characters, and their contributions to today's scientific approach to medicine, that Hruban and Linder have created. Happy Reading!
May 3, 2022
Though not a medical professional, prior to reading this book I was certainly aware of Johns Hopkins' lofty stature in the world of medicine. However, I was not familiar with the medical school and hospital origin story; and of the ten individuals profiled in the book, I was only familiar (slightly) with William Halsted, the pioneering surgeon. The book then was something of a revelation to me regarding the early days of the institution and the lives of these remarkable people.
In the ten profiles, Hruban and Linder proficiently describe their extraordinary achievements and portray their more personal human dimensions. This is done in conjunction with addressing the state of medical science and practice, as well as broader societal norms, prevailing during the late 19th/early 20th century. As a result, the authors provide enlightening, multi-dimensional assessments of these individuals and Hopkins Medicine.
Particularly striking was the dismal state of the medical profession at the time. Most practicing doctors were woefully under-trained; few had even a college bachelor's degree. There was also little in the way of rigorous standards of care and process. The many breakthrough advances described in the book highlight the leadership role Hopkins played in addressing these matters and moving the profession forward on a much stronger scientific basis.
The subjects, unsurprisingly, confronted many challenges and obstacles. Hopkins was not immune to the prevailing sexism of the time. Consequently, while Dorothy Reed and Helen Taussig accomplished great things, it is clear they were capable of achieving much more had their gender not restricted them. In the case of Vivien Thomas, as a Black man he was denied proper credit until much later in life for the substantial contributions he made to pediatric heart surgery. In contrast to these external constraints, Halsted achieved his greatness while burdened with cocaine/morphine addiction over the course of virtually his entire career.
All in all, certainly a worthwhile and enjoyable read.
In the ten profiles, Hruban and Linder proficiently describe their extraordinary achievements and portray their more personal human dimensions. This is done in conjunction with addressing the state of medical science and practice, as well as broader societal norms, prevailing during the late 19th/early 20th century. As a result, the authors provide enlightening, multi-dimensional assessments of these individuals and Hopkins Medicine.
Particularly striking was the dismal state of the medical profession at the time. Most practicing doctors were woefully under-trained; few had even a college bachelor's degree. There was also little in the way of rigorous standards of care and process. The many breakthrough advances described in the book highlight the leadership role Hopkins played in addressing these matters and moving the profession forward on a much stronger scientific basis.
The subjects, unsurprisingly, confronted many challenges and obstacles. Hopkins was not immune to the prevailing sexism of the time. Consequently, while Dorothy Reed and Helen Taussig accomplished great things, it is clear they were capable of achieving much more had their gender not restricted them. In the case of Vivien Thomas, as a Black man he was denied proper credit until much later in life for the substantial contributions he made to pediatric heart surgery. In contrast to these external constraints, Halsted achieved his greatness while burdened with cocaine/morphine addiction over the course of virtually his entire career.
All in all, certainly a worthwhile and enjoyable read.
May 9, 2022
I have no medical background (one year of pre-med as an undergraduate freshman which was waylaid by an unpleasant experience with organic chemistry doesn't count). However, I did not need such a background to read, understand and savor this excellent book which provides a detailed look at each of 10 different Johns Hopkins Hospital/Medical School-connected pioneering doctors, administrators and others who helped to advance medicine into the modern era.
Authors Hruban and Linder provide us with vivid descriptions of these 10 men and women which not only catalogue their contributions to medicine but also reveal their humanity, making it so relatable. I learned how the great surgeon William Stewart Halstead dealt with decades of addiction- first to cocaine and then to morphine-but remained extremely productive. I was awed by Jesse Lazear's willingness to sacrifice his life to prove that Yellow Fever was being spread by mosquito bites. I admired Dorothy Reed Mendenhall's tenacity which resulted in her identification of the cells present in Hodgkin's disease, even while she mourned the loss of two children and was denied a full faculty position. Helen Taussig's pioneering work with pediatric cardiology- blue babies- even while she was functionally deaf- was amazing. Additionally, Vivien Thomas' achievements in surgical techniques- even when he could not hope to be a full Doctor as an African American - was truly inspiring.
By relating to us the experiences of their female subjects (Garrett, Reed Mendenhall and Tausig) with rampant sexism and the African-American Thomas with racial discrimination the authors serve to remind us that these issues still exist and persist now, even if more subtly. While lauding these subjects' achievements in bringing science to medicine, the authors also provide us with a warning about the tendency of many now to revert to the past and dismiss science and medical advances (i.e., masks and vaccines)- similar to the obstacles that many of these medical pioneers faced.
A superlative read which I highly recommend!
Authors Hruban and Linder provide us with vivid descriptions of these 10 men and women which not only catalogue their contributions to medicine but also reveal their humanity, making it so relatable. I learned how the great surgeon William Stewart Halstead dealt with decades of addiction- first to cocaine and then to morphine-but remained extremely productive. I was awed by Jesse Lazear's willingness to sacrifice his life to prove that Yellow Fever was being spread by mosquito bites. I admired Dorothy Reed Mendenhall's tenacity which resulted in her identification of the cells present in Hodgkin's disease, even while she mourned the loss of two children and was denied a full faculty position. Helen Taussig's pioneering work with pediatric cardiology- blue babies- even while she was functionally deaf- was amazing. Additionally, Vivien Thomas' achievements in surgical techniques- even when he could not hope to be a full Doctor as an African American - was truly inspiring.
By relating to us the experiences of their female subjects (Garrett, Reed Mendenhall and Tausig) with rampant sexism and the African-American Thomas with racial discrimination the authors serve to remind us that these issues still exist and persist now, even if more subtly. While lauding these subjects' achievements in bringing science to medicine, the authors also provide us with a warning about the tendency of many now to revert to the past and dismiss science and medical advances (i.e., masks and vaccines)- similar to the obstacles that many of these medical pioneers faced.
A superlative read which I highly recommend!
September 20, 2023
Wow! What a fantastic book "A Scientific Revolution" really is!
I had heard from Peter Drucker that most folks who want to become doctors know it from an early age. But in reading this book, I have learned about some men and women for whom that statement was not the case, and who had brilliant careers in medicine anyway.
What is more is that the authors end with an epilogue that describes their fervent wish that their book brings people together, based on the stories of these 10 consequential men and women, many of whom had to overcome enormous barriers including severe sexism and racism to achieve recognition for their contributions and greatness.
But these men and women associated with the Johns Hopkins Medical School did achieve greatness by remaining focused on their goals for themselves and their careers, and for their aspirations in and for the practice of medicine in the United States of America and ultimately for the whole world.
Here I especially think of the innovative surgery for "Blue Baby" syndrome and the aversion of utter disaster by curtailing the use of thalidomide in the United States of America, all due to the determination of Dr. Helen Taussig, MD.
Of all the 10, I loved reading about Dorothy Reed Mendenhall the most, especially about her "Early Streak of Independence," some of which I may see in myself.
And their book does achieve the authors' objective of uniting us Americans because every single reader, in finishing "A Scientific Revolution" comes away with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that to achieve something important, that we must all persevere, and that it truly is the case that the secret of success is constancy to purpose.
I am deeply grateful to authors Ralph H. Hruban and Will Linder for writing this most inspiring book, "A Scientific Revolution."
I had heard from Peter Drucker that most folks who want to become doctors know it from an early age. But in reading this book, I have learned about some men and women for whom that statement was not the case, and who had brilliant careers in medicine anyway.
What is more is that the authors end with an epilogue that describes their fervent wish that their book brings people together, based on the stories of these 10 consequential men and women, many of whom had to overcome enormous barriers including severe sexism and racism to achieve recognition for their contributions and greatness.
But these men and women associated with the Johns Hopkins Medical School did achieve greatness by remaining focused on their goals for themselves and their careers, and for their aspirations in and for the practice of medicine in the United States of America and ultimately for the whole world.
Here I especially think of the innovative surgery for "Blue Baby" syndrome and the aversion of utter disaster by curtailing the use of thalidomide in the United States of America, all due to the determination of Dr. Helen Taussig, MD.
Of all the 10, I loved reading about Dorothy Reed Mendenhall the most, especially about her "Early Streak of Independence," some of which I may see in myself.
And their book does achieve the authors' objective of uniting us Americans because every single reader, in finishing "A Scientific Revolution" comes away with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that to achieve something important, that we must all persevere, and that it truly is the case that the secret of success is constancy to purpose.
I am deeply grateful to authors Ralph H. Hruban and Will Linder for writing this most inspiring book, "A Scientific Revolution."
August 11, 2023
So full disclosure: I work in healthcare. I am a Physician Assistant in a small community hospital emergency department. I don't read a lot of nonfiction, but my favorite podcasts are Mindscape, Sawbones, EMRAP – hardcore science and medicine content.
When my wife picked this up for me as a surprise, it was the subtitle that got her attention: "Ten Men and Women who Reinvented American Medicine." As most people would assume, she thought this would be about trailblazers in American medicine.
And that's not wrong, it just isn't the *entire* story.
A better subtitle for A SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION would be "How Johns Hopkins Became a Standardbearer for Medicine," or "How Johns Hopkins Changed the Course of Medical History." Or something to do with Johns Hopkins because that's *really* what the book is about. All ten of the figures discussed in the book had some significant tie to Johns Hopkins - a teacher, student, administrator, technician, physician, etc etc.
It is kind of a fun coincidence that so many distinct, important paths in medicine crossed at Johns Hopkins, but it's distracting from a literary perspective because authors Dr Hruban and Dr Lender (both alumni) keep emphasizing the institution over everything else. At times it feels like propaganda.
A SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION is a pretty easy read and will give a layperson some cool stories they may not have known before. I would highly recommend you follow – or even replace – reading this by watching the excellent, under-viewed Steven Soderbergh project THE KNICK. That show, for my money, is the best medical drama ever made; and it fictionalizes a lot of the people and events from the book.
When my wife picked this up for me as a surprise, it was the subtitle that got her attention: "Ten Men and Women who Reinvented American Medicine." As most people would assume, she thought this would be about trailblazers in American medicine.
And that's not wrong, it just isn't the *entire* story.
A better subtitle for A SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION would be "How Johns Hopkins Became a Standardbearer for Medicine," or "How Johns Hopkins Changed the Course of Medical History." Or something to do with Johns Hopkins because that's *really* what the book is about. All ten of the figures discussed in the book had some significant tie to Johns Hopkins - a teacher, student, administrator, technician, physician, etc etc.
It is kind of a fun coincidence that so many distinct, important paths in medicine crossed at Johns Hopkins, but it's distracting from a literary perspective because authors Dr Hruban and Dr Lender (both alumni) keep emphasizing the institution over everything else. At times it feels like propaganda.
A SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION is a pretty easy read and will give a layperson some cool stories they may not have known before. I would highly recommend you follow – or even replace – reading this by watching the excellent, under-viewed Steven Soderbergh project THE KNICK. That show, for my money, is the best medical drama ever made; and it fictionalizes a lot of the people and events from the book.
April 25, 2022
I was intrigued by the new book A Scientific Revolution: Ten Men and Women Who Reinvented Medicine but I wondered if the book would be full of medical terminology and obscure minutiae such as to make it impenetrable for this humanities major.
Turns out I was wrong. A Scientific Revolution is a very accessible and fascinating study of the development of modern medicine as told through the lens of the founding and development of the Johns Hopkins Medical School and Hospital. I had no idea that prior to the founding of the school, medicine was primarily a low-level trade practiced by poorly trained crafts persons and just about anybody. Thank Goodness I wasn’t around in those day because I’m afraid of leeches!
It fell to a woman named Mary Elizabeth Garrett to found the medical school and hospital even though she herself never went to college. Her unique story is told along with that of many diverse and supremely talented individuals from William Stewart Halstead who literally became “the Father of American Surgery” despite a lifelong cocaine and morphine addition to Dorothy Reed Mendenhall and Vivien Thomas who forged lifesaving medical advancements even while enduring pervasive discrimination as a woman and a Black man respectively.
I think anybody with even a passing interest in medicine will find this book illuminating and absorbing. It was even more so for me. At 71 years old, is it too late for me to go to medical school?
Turns out I was wrong. A Scientific Revolution is a very accessible and fascinating study of the development of modern medicine as told through the lens of the founding and development of the Johns Hopkins Medical School and Hospital. I had no idea that prior to the founding of the school, medicine was primarily a low-level trade practiced by poorly trained crafts persons and just about anybody. Thank Goodness I wasn’t around in those day because I’m afraid of leeches!
It fell to a woman named Mary Elizabeth Garrett to found the medical school and hospital even though she herself never went to college. Her unique story is told along with that of many diverse and supremely talented individuals from William Stewart Halstead who literally became “the Father of American Surgery” despite a lifelong cocaine and morphine addition to Dorothy Reed Mendenhall and Vivien Thomas who forged lifesaving medical advancements even while enduring pervasive discrimination as a woman and a Black man respectively.
I think anybody with even a passing interest in medicine will find this book illuminating and absorbing. It was even more so for me. At 71 years old, is it too late for me to go to medical school?
April 29, 2022
Miracles of modern medicine do not fall from the sky or emerge fully formed from some mysterious source. In “A Scientific Revolution: Ten Men and Women Who Reinvented American Medicine,” the reader discovers the palpable connections between those breakthroughs and the individuals who wrought them.
In this lucid, compelling, and accessible volume authors Ralph Hruban and Will Linder introduce a truly diverse group of women and men. We meet philanthropists, clinicians, researchers, and administrators who, with vision and determination, navigated and overcame obstacles of gender, race, class, traditional methods, and other factors that stood in the way of progress.
That this work focuses on one significant institution, Johns Hopkins, proves an asset. Rather than limiting this work’s scope, it magnifies the reader’s understanding of the crucial interplay between individuals and the environment in which they operate. Through the Hopkins lens we see the impact of change on one of the world’s primary medical establishments and learn how the ripples lapped the shores of medical practice worldwide.
While physicians, scientists and others associated with medicine will value this book, Hruban and Linder have written it for all who are fascinated by the human dimension of the story of scientific progress.
In this lucid, compelling, and accessible volume authors Ralph Hruban and Will Linder introduce a truly diverse group of women and men. We meet philanthropists, clinicians, researchers, and administrators who, with vision and determination, navigated and overcame obstacles of gender, race, class, traditional methods, and other factors that stood in the way of progress.
That this work focuses on one significant institution, Johns Hopkins, proves an asset. Rather than limiting this work’s scope, it magnifies the reader’s understanding of the crucial interplay between individuals and the environment in which they operate. Through the Hopkins lens we see the impact of change on one of the world’s primary medical establishments and learn how the ripples lapped the shores of medical practice worldwide.
While physicians, scientists and others associated with medicine will value this book, Hruban and Linder have written it for all who are fascinated by the human dimension of the story of scientific progress.
April 11, 2022
The ten individuals profiled in this fascinating history — all of whom deserve their own full-length biographies (hopefully also to be written by Ralph Hruban and Will Linder) — were the pioneering founders of the science of medicine, all based at Johns Hopkins University. Each elegantly written chapter connects with the others to create a compelling portrait of little-known heroes, women and men whose revolutionary accomplishments — often achieved against overwhelming odds, and sometimes at the expense of their own lives — advanced the practice of medicine from an unregulated industry that may have killed more patients than it saved, to a respected profession informed by prodigious research. Although highly accessible to a layperson like me, this is a must-read for any medical professional. I came away with a new interest in medical history, and a sense of gratitude to the subjects of this book, whose achievements and personal sacrifices benefit us every day.
July 19, 2022
These stories are all stunning. The writing excellent. We are all flawed human beings. We could benefit from being less judgmental.
This is an excellent book/stories to teach/example, the rewards of hard work, perseverance and focus. Finished this in two days.
Stunning stories. Fascinating to think I was born about the time of the first blue baby surgery and was then in nursing school when it was well established. I saw many babies benefit from the Blalock-Thomas-Taussig operation. I am very pleased to include Thomas with the other two. His is a very inspiring story.
Wish I had known these women’s stories growing up.
I particularly was impressed by the following:
“what we need most are “stories rooted in the complexity of real life” and “narratives in which everybody finds an honorable place”
This is an excellent book/stories to teach/example, the rewards of hard work, perseverance and focus. Finished this in two days.
Stunning stories. Fascinating to think I was born about the time of the first blue baby surgery and was then in nursing school when it was well established. I saw many babies benefit from the Blalock-Thomas-Taussig operation. I am very pleased to include Thomas with the other two. His is a very inspiring story.
Wish I had known these women’s stories growing up.
I particularly was impressed by the following:
“what we need most are “stories rooted in the complexity of real life” and “narratives in which everybody finds an honorable place”
April 18, 2022
Though I think the primary audience for this book will be people who are specifically interested in the history of Johns Hopkins, I think it also holds some appeal for readers who are interested in the history of healthcare in America, or in 19th and early 20th century medical science more generally — especially when it comes to the scientific contributions women and people of color, who have often been overlooked.
Full review at Lone Star on a Lark
Full review at Lone Star on a Lark
November 29, 2022
I have read this entire book. This is one of the best, grammatical well written book that I have read.
Reading the chapter on yellow fever was like watching a dramatic movie. It is really something, these 10 people reshaped American Medicine. Restructuring American Medicine was a collaboration in 1800s to early 1900s, from whites, blacks, and the LGBQT of the time. Chapter 10 talks about a White doctor, who trained a Black lab technician to do everything he can do and more, his words!!! The Black lab tech was the 1st to observe septic shock.
Great book!!!!
Reading the chapter on yellow fever was like watching a dramatic movie. It is really something, these 10 people reshaped American Medicine. Restructuring American Medicine was a collaboration in 1800s to early 1900s, from whites, blacks, and the LGBQT of the time. Chapter 10 talks about a White doctor, who trained a Black lab technician to do everything he can do and more, his words!!! The Black lab tech was the 1st to observe septic shock.
Great book!!!!
February 11, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book. I am a graduate of JHU SOM and personally met two of the giants in this book (Helen Taussig and Vivien Thomas). I also attended the zoom sessions during the pandemic that were the start of this book. Much of it I knew as the history of the hospital is taught. I especially appreciate that Mary Elizabeth Garrett is the first person featured. She truly is the reason the school exists and her standards set the stage for medical education. A few “typos” which were irritating, wrong pronouns and a few noun-verb errors, indicated poor,proofreading.
February 22, 2024
I found this book for $8 in the bargain section of my local Indigo. The cover drew my attention as it reminded me of Harry Potter (wand/snake). I was intrigued by the title being that I am a nurse. Daunting as it only had ~40 ratings on Goodreads. I did not expect to be so enthralled by the story telling of these men and women who revolutionized modern medicine in America. The author captured well the adversity that some of these women and blacks faced. Thoroughly enjoyed this!
June 29, 2022
Great stories about ten amazing people that changed science and medicine. Very much worth the read, but the style of writing doesn't always compliment its subjects.
Most chapters have a version of 'In this chapter we will explain/explore/examine...' which is fine, I guess. I mean, it's not fine at all. Rather annoying. The information is great though and I'm glad to have read this.
Most chapters have a version of 'In this chapter we will explain/explore/examine...' which is fine, I guess. I mean, it's not fine at all. Rather annoying. The information is great though and I'm glad to have read this.
April 5, 2024
Fascinating stories of medical professionals at Johns Hopkins prior to the turn of the century and beyond. William Osler and William Halsted, you have likely heard of but Dorothy Reed (Reed-Sternberg cell!), Helen Taussig (blue baby!), and Vivien Thomas (Blalock's right hand man) are incredible people you may not have heard of.
May 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, but I will add I listened to the audiobook read by Tristan Morris. And woah, made it very hard go through. The reader was trying to channel Jack Palance. But very interesting overall.
May 25, 2023
Superb, fascinating non fiction regarding the establishment of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and some of the colorful and interesting people who were involved in changing the practice of medicine and medical education in the late 1800s and beyond. Loved it.
May 12, 2024
Definitely got better as the book went on. Didn’t realize when I decided to read it that it was all figures relevant to Johns Hopkins Medical School. The last 3 figures were arguably the most interesting and their stories were interconnected.
September 14, 2023
Essentially 10 somewhat connected mini biographies. Each has a unique story to tell and Hruban does a nice job keeping the book moving.
July 24, 2022
definitely worth reading
Well written mini bios of ten persons who through their work at John’s Hopkins School of Medicine changed the US medical education and profession and/or overcame adversity to do so. They do not gloss over flaws which include sexism, racism and other weaknesses. Has led me to find the in depth bios and autobio (in one instance) of these people.
Well written mini bios of ten persons who through their work at John’s Hopkins School of Medicine changed the US medical education and profession and/or overcame adversity to do so. They do not gloss over flaws which include sexism, racism and other weaknesses. Has led me to find the in depth bios and autobio (in one instance) of these people.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews