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Hot Lights, Cold Steel: Life, Death and Sleepless Nights in a Surgeon's First Years
When Michael Collins decides to become a surgeon, he is totally unprepared for the chaotic life of a resident at a major hospital. A natural overachiever, Collins' success, in college and medical school led to a surgical residency at one of the most respected medical centers in the world, the famed Mayo Clinic. But compared to his fellow residents Collins feels inadequate and unprepared. All too soon, the euphoria of beginning his career as an orthopedic resident gives way to the feeling he is a counterfeit, an imposter who has infiltrated a society of brilliant surgeons.
This story of Collins' four-year surgical residency traces his rise from an eager but clueless first-year resident to accomplished Chief Resident in his final year. With unparalleled humor, he recounts the disparity between people's perceptions of a doctor's glamorous life and the real a succession of run down cars that are towed to the junk yard, long weekends moonlighting at rural hospitals, a family that grows larger every year, and a laughable income.
Collins' good nature helps him over some of the rough spots but cannot spare him the harsh reality of a doctor's life. Every day he is confronted with decisions that will change people's lives-or end them-forever. A young boy's leg is mangled by a risk the boy's life to save his leg, or amputate immediately? A woman diagnosed with bone cancer injures her go through a painful hip operation even though she has only months to live? Like a jolt to the system, he is faced with the reality of suffering and death as he struggles to reconcile his idealism and aspiration to heal with the recognition of his own limitations and imperfections.
Unflinching and deeply engaging, Hot Lights, Cold Steel is a humane and passionate reminder that doctors are people too. This is a gripping memoir, at times devastating, others triumphant, but always compulsively readable.
This story of Collins' four-year surgical residency traces his rise from an eager but clueless first-year resident to accomplished Chief Resident in his final year. With unparalleled humor, he recounts the disparity between people's perceptions of a doctor's glamorous life and the real a succession of run down cars that are towed to the junk yard, long weekends moonlighting at rural hospitals, a family that grows larger every year, and a laughable income.
Collins' good nature helps him over some of the rough spots but cannot spare him the harsh reality of a doctor's life. Every day he is confronted with decisions that will change people's lives-or end them-forever. A young boy's leg is mangled by a risk the boy's life to save his leg, or amputate immediately? A woman diagnosed with bone cancer injures her go through a painful hip operation even though she has only months to live? Like a jolt to the system, he is faced with the reality of suffering and death as he struggles to reconcile his idealism and aspiration to heal with the recognition of his own limitations and imperfections.
Unflinching and deeply engaging, Hot Lights, Cold Steel is a humane and passionate reminder that doctors are people too. This is a gripping memoir, at times devastating, others triumphant, but always compulsively readable.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 27, 2005
205 people are currently reading
6945 people want to read
About the author
Michael J. Collins
3 books112 followersMike's highly successful first two books, Hot Lights, Cold Steel and Blue Collar, Blue Scrubs have become standards in the field of medical memoir.
His latest work, All Bleeding Stops, was released in 2021. What does a doctor do when he thinks his best is not good enough? All too often, the sensitivity that leads young men and women to a career in medicine becomes the instrument of their own destruction. They simply care too much. Nowhere is this cruel irony more clearly seen than in the setting of war.
Matthew Barrett, fresh out of residency, is sent to Vietnam as a combat surgeon in 1967 at the height of the Vietnam war. Sensitive and caring to a fault, he is ill-prepared for the onslaught of pain and suffering with which he must deal. Only the love of Therese Hopkins, a nurse, keeps him from falling apart. But can their love survive the horrors of war?
In the end, it is Therese who helps Matthew realize that love and compassion are the only things that can make all bleeding stop.
His latest work, All Bleeding Stops, was released in 2021. What does a doctor do when he thinks his best is not good enough? All too often, the sensitivity that leads young men and women to a career in medicine becomes the instrument of their own destruction. They simply care too much. Nowhere is this cruel irony more clearly seen than in the setting of war.
Matthew Barrett, fresh out of residency, is sent to Vietnam as a combat surgeon in 1967 at the height of the Vietnam war. Sensitive and caring to a fault, he is ill-prepared for the onslaught of pain and suffering with which he must deal. Only the love of Therese Hopkins, a nurse, keeps him from falling apart. But can their love survive the horrors of war?
In the end, it is Therese who helps Matthew realize that love and compassion are the only things that can make all bleeding stop.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 380 reviews
November 19, 2018
3.5 stars
I think the reason I love medical memoirs, and specifically those dealing with the first few years of a newly graduated medical student is that their first year as interns are as relatable as they will ever be to us non-medical folks.
You can have all the book learning you want but the first time you see a trauma case you are going to react the same way I would – freeze and panic.
What makes this one noteworthy is that Mike Collins is an orthopaedic resident, paying his dues over 4 years to go from junior to senior resident. Late nights, no sleep, hospital politics, a wife that keeps on getting pregnant (at least he had time for that!) and moonlighting to supplement the low pay during these years.
As with other memoirs there are moments of doubt whether medical intervention causes more harm than good for a patient. There are some touching as well as funny moments and the writing is seamless and engaging.
My favourite among these memoris is still This Is Going To Hurt It had me howling with laughter and I completely understand why that particular Dr chose to show the funny and not the hopelessness that this job can sometimes bring out.
Another great memoir is The Real Doctor Will See You Shortly and if you want something a little more serious I can highly recommend When The Air Hits Your Brain.
I think the reason I love medical memoirs, and specifically those dealing with the first few years of a newly graduated medical student is that their first year as interns are as relatable as they will ever be to us non-medical folks.
You can have all the book learning you want but the first time you see a trauma case you are going to react the same way I would – freeze and panic.
What makes this one noteworthy is that Mike Collins is an orthopaedic resident, paying his dues over 4 years to go from junior to senior resident. Late nights, no sleep, hospital politics, a wife that keeps on getting pregnant (at least he had time for that!) and moonlighting to supplement the low pay during these years.
As with other memoirs there are moments of doubt whether medical intervention causes more harm than good for a patient. There are some touching as well as funny moments and the writing is seamless and engaging.
My favourite among these memoris is still This Is Going To Hurt It had me howling with laughter and I completely understand why that particular Dr chose to show the funny and not the hopelessness that this job can sometimes bring out.
Another great memoir is The Real Doctor Will See You Shortly and if you want something a little more serious I can highly recommend When The Air Hits Your Brain.
April 2, 2019
Starts with a 14-year-old boy in the OR and Dr. Collins must make the decision of saving or amputating his leg. This also occurs post residency at “The Mayo Clinic” and his appointment to chief resident of orthopedic surgery. Feelings are laid bare when he says I felt like the “dullest scalpel in the drawer.”
"Dr. Harding was sleeping and rounds needed to be made...and me the greenest rookie imaginable, in charge. We had fifteen patients in our service...hip or knee replacements. I just wanted to get through...without making a terrible mistake.”
---Michael J. Collins, MD
Having a baby, yearly saint Patti (wife) and the many sacrifices termed “moonlighting” to support his family of twelve children are surgical scalpel honey. Sacrifices made by Dr. Michael J. Collins do rouse emotion in the reader and we realize great suffering produces humility, empathy and bonding---and in this case a truly stellar surgeon.
Hot Lights, Cold Steel: Life, Death and Sleepless Nights in a Surgeon’s First Years is pretension free, and overflowing with humor akin to “House of God.” This is a fetching recount of the life of an orthopedic surgeon. Mangled legs, bone cancer and death are daily realities. Orthopedic surgery must read and my highest rating this month. Buy!
"Dr. Harding was sleeping and rounds needed to be made...and me the greenest rookie imaginable, in charge. We had fifteen patients in our service...hip or knee replacements. I just wanted to get through...without making a terrible mistake.”
---Michael J. Collins, MD
Having a baby, yearly saint Patti (wife) and the many sacrifices termed “moonlighting” to support his family of twelve children are surgical scalpel honey. Sacrifices made by Dr. Michael J. Collins do rouse emotion in the reader and we realize great suffering produces humility, empathy and bonding---and in this case a truly stellar surgeon.
Hot Lights, Cold Steel: Life, Death and Sleepless Nights in a Surgeon’s First Years is pretension free, and overflowing with humor akin to “House of God.” This is a fetching recount of the life of an orthopedic surgeon. Mangled legs, bone cancer and death are daily realities. Orthopedic surgery must read and my highest rating this month. Buy!
September 27, 2009
This was one of my favorite “doctor” books. Dr. Collins is an amazing author who brings truth and humor to his life as a resident. In stark contrast to “Intern Blues”, Dr. Collins isn’t caught whining; rather, he understands his job is tough, the hours long, and the decisions difficult with a sense of journey. That is, he engrosses himself in his life and enjoys the ride.
You really can feel his emotions when he succeeds, fails, is uncertain. You grow in compassion and respect for his supportive wife. He really lets you in to his life. It has given me insight into what I have to look forward to as well.
This book gives me, a medical student, hope and perspective. He shows an attitude I aspire to. “Doctors are whiners” some say. I agree with the statement but disagree with the sentiment. Regardless, here we see a physician in training who decides to give up what is in his full right.
You really can feel his emotions when he succeeds, fails, is uncertain. You grow in compassion and respect for his supportive wife. He really lets you in to his life. It has given me insight into what I have to look forward to as well.
This book gives me, a medical student, hope and perspective. He shows an attitude I aspire to. “Doctors are whiners” some say. I agree with the statement but disagree with the sentiment. Regardless, here we see a physician in training who decides to give up what is in his full right.
January 1, 2017
This book had a lot of potential, but it was unfocused, sexist, and unappealing. The doctor writing this tried to set it up like a bad 80s movie where he was the underdog that would then rise up to be top dog, defeating all odds. The sexism was so apparent, and I hated how he always had to comment on how attractive or unattractive his female patients where. At times he even seemed like he was hitting on other women despite having a wife and 12 kids!! To say the least, I did not like this man much, and so large portions of the book were unbearable. Also he daydreams a lot and imagines conversations that never happened and it was just really annoying.
November 19, 2018
This is Dr. Collin's memoir of his four years as a surgical resident at Minnesota's Mayo Clinic. It's quite a story. I don't usually think of memoirs as page-turners, but this one kept me up until 2AM. Appropriately enough, since most of the book deals with a sleep-deprived resident's life....
I don't know when Collins did his residency, but his memoir has something of a sepia tone. All the doctors are men, all the nurses are women. Collins and his wife are good Irish Catholics -- they made four babies during their four years at Mayo (and went on to have eight more!). They lived paycheck-to-paycheck, eating mac & cheese, driving old beaters -- he goes through three in the book, setting a Mayo record. The residents like beer, sports and other manly stuff. They and the girls are always ready with a polished (or rough) quip to match the occasion....
OK, so Collins is a good Irish storyteller -- but he really did have life-or-death decisions to make, there in the ER and OR at 3AM, and he did find out that, even when he did everything right, he would lose patients....
So there's something primal here, that we folk living ordinary lives don't get to see. And you'd be very lucky to see Mike Collins waiting in the ER, when your ambulance pulls in....
Highly recommended.
I don't know when Collins did his residency, but his memoir has something of a sepia tone. All the doctors are men, all the nurses are women. Collins and his wife are good Irish Catholics -- they made four babies during their four years at Mayo (and went on to have eight more!). They lived paycheck-to-paycheck, eating mac & cheese, driving old beaters -- he goes through three in the book, setting a Mayo record. The residents like beer, sports and other manly stuff. They and the girls are always ready with a polished (or rough) quip to match the occasion....
OK, so Collins is a good Irish storyteller -- but he really did have life-or-death decisions to make, there in the ER and OR at 3AM, and he did find out that, even when he did everything right, he would lose patients....
So there's something primal here, that we folk living ordinary lives don't get to see. And you'd be very lucky to see Mike Collins waiting in the ER, when your ambulance pulls in....
Highly recommended.
May 14, 2008
"I was a counterfeit, an impostor who had infiltrated this society of brilliant surgeons. [...] I would have thrown myself on the floor and asked them to shoot me and put me out of my misery." When I read these lines, I knew that this book was the real thing.
There's something in Collins' self-deprecation and love of his work that reminds me of James Herriot, but the humour of "Hot Lights, Cold Steel" is starker, though no less funny. The laughter is there, of course, but it sounds more like a man joking at the stake than in front of a fireplace.
I wonder if the author has finally gotten some sleep since he finished his residency - then there might be hope for the rest of us!
There's something in Collins' self-deprecation and love of his work that reminds me of James Herriot, but the humour of "Hot Lights, Cold Steel" is starker, though no less funny. The laughter is there, of course, but it sounds more like a man joking at the stake than in front of a fireplace.
I wonder if the author has finally gotten some sleep since he finished his residency - then there might be hope for the rest of us!
January 5, 2017
Fantastic account of a surgeons years in Residency. Learning the ins and outs, trying not to make mistakes, learning to accept them and move on if he does.
This book was hilarious at times, the author is very funny. I even learned a thing or two about medical jargon.
Highly Recommended!
This book was hilarious at times, the author is very funny. I even learned a thing or two about medical jargon.
Highly Recommended!
January 17, 2018
It's not the point, but the biggest impression this book left me with was how selfish and gross that this dude has TWELVE kids. He talks a lot about how poor they are struggling to make ends meet, and how he's so busy that his kids don't even know him, and then he talks about golfing and playing hockey. The stories of the ER were interesting and sometimes funny, but they're often tainted with misogynistic garbage and inappropriate jokes. I'm fully aware that medical staff use dark humor to power through, but a book intended for the public is not the place. And his buddy joking about only hiring nurses with huge tits isn't funny, it's just disgusting.
December 27, 2020
This book was very interesting; it debunked some of the doctor stereotypes and was pretty funny at times. However, I quickly got frustrated with Dr. Collins. Throughout the book, he makes little comments that demean women, and there is a general absence of females from the book. He barely gives his wife any attention, and expects her to take care of several children on a meager budget and not complain! Maybe it's just me and my intolerance of male entitlement, but this wasn't a good book.
June 17, 2008
Dr. Collins is kind of like the Augusten Bourroughs/David Sedaris of medical writing. Some of the stories are funny (the patient with a dildo stuck up his butt), others are heartbreaking (an 18 year old girl with cancer of the ilium). The book is the first medical writing I've read that is more than just clinical stories but also gives insight into what the life of a resident is like -- the long hours, the low pay, the lapses in confidence -- all the sacrafices that must be made for training to be completed. It shows the passion necessary for pursuing medicine in this country. Overall, very informative, easy to read, and thought-provoking.
May 2, 2020
What could have been a good story was ruined by Dr. Collins wildly obvious sexism throughout the entire book. The conversations him and his friends have about and with women are truly degrading and offensive. He complains of making so little money and having so little time as a resident but bears a thousand children before he even finishes residency. Makes me hard pressed to feel sympathetic towards him and his wife's situation. As a medical student I find the story intriguing but I am rather uninterested in the author himself.
August 17, 2018
Found this while I was browsing a library that had a display of medical-themed books. I had to laugh when I realized I'd read almost half of them. I have a thing for this kind of book. Of the dozen or so books like this that I've read, Atul Gawande's 4 books definitely rank near the top. I like his writing so much, I actually approached this book with serious skepticism - no way I can like any other book as much as Gawande's right? But Michael Collins did not disappoint. This book isn't nearly as emotionally gripping as, say, Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Gawande, but it is just so fun to read. The accounts of tricky surgeries and tough decisions is balanced by pretty hilarious anecdotes of his residency buddies and his saintly wife.
Also have to mention how impressed I am with this guy's work ethic. He worked 3 jobs in medical school to make ends meet. And during residency, he moonlighted at a rural hospital every other weekend for 36 hours straight. Definitely not ideal circumstances here and I actually feel a little uneasy about doctors working such long hours without sleep, BUT what an impressive guy to work so hard to provide for himself rather than just racking up debt. (That seems less common today - few students seem to work during university anymore. Call me crazy, but when we were students, we LIVED like students - crappy apartment, secondhand clothes, hand-me-down furniture, working any available job.)
Anyway.....fun book to read and it goes really quickly. Definitely recommend this.
Also have to mention how impressed I am with this guy's work ethic. He worked 3 jobs in medical school to make ends meet. And during residency, he moonlighted at a rural hospital every other weekend for 36 hours straight. Definitely not ideal circumstances here and I actually feel a little uneasy about doctors working such long hours without sleep, BUT what an impressive guy to work so hard to provide for himself rather than just racking up debt. (That seems less common today - few students seem to work during university anymore. Call me crazy, but when we were students, we LIVED like students - crappy apartment, secondhand clothes, hand-me-down furniture, working any available job.)
Anyway.....fun book to read and it goes really quickly. Definitely recommend this.
October 12, 2020
The medical parts of this book were great and I loved how the author kept it real about both the highs and the lows and how honest he was about being behind his colleagues when he started residency. I did not know much about orthopedics and this was a great way to learn.
What I did not love (and the reason why I'm not rating this book at least 4 stars) was how sexist it was. There were multiple jokes about sexy nurses/receptionists and dozens of unnecessary (and borderline inappropriate) comments on the looks of female patients. I understand he did his residency in the 80s, when this kind of comment was considered more ok, but this book was published in 2005 and I think it is very serious that an editor read those bits and failed to see that they were not only unnecessary but also degrading and disrespectful to women in general and women in healthcare in particular.
What I did not love (and the reason why I'm not rating this book at least 4 stars) was how sexist it was. There were multiple jokes about sexy nurses/receptionists and dozens of unnecessary (and borderline inappropriate) comments on the looks of female patients. I understand he did his residency in the 80s, when this kind of comment was considered more ok, but this book was published in 2005 and I think it is very serious that an editor read those bits and failed to see that they were not only unnecessary but also degrading and disrespectful to women in general and women in healthcare in particular.
October 11, 2009
Dr. Collins could easily launch a second career as an author. This book is the story of his four years as an orthopedic resident at the Mayo Clinic--the final four years before he was officially labled "MD." At the same time, he and his wife were having their first four children! (They topped out at twelve, according to his biography on the book jacket.) The book left me wishing he would write a book covering the rest of his life and career since then. This book made me laugh out loud, cry, and cringe (at some of the medical procedures.) I enjoyed it tremendously as he deftly wove together the strands of his career with his personal life.
May 11, 2007
I thought it was really cool when I read the description of Collins on the back flap and saw that he has 12 children. He’s Irish Catholic, I guess, but he doesn’t come across as the least bit religious in the book. I think he and his wife don’t have so many children for religious reasons so much as because they just love having children. In any case, this description of the four years of orthopedic surgery residency at the Mayo Clinic is awesome. It’s very engrossing, with lots of medical details and patient stories. The insights Dr. Collins has about human life and mortality are interesting, but not the best part of the book. He’s very good at describing scenes and engaging the reader in what’s happening. One thing I could never get over was how after treating so many people for injuries sustained from accidents while driving drunk, even a few people who are mentioned as not having blood alcohol levels above the legal limit but still being impaired, Dr. Collins and his fellow residents continue to go out and drink and then drive home. Overall this is a really excellent book. I read it all in one night – couldn’t put it down.
September 12, 2016
This book was like a breath of fresh air. My husband and kids got used to me chuckling every few pages as I was reading this book over the last couple of days. I love this author, and I love his family. Why didn't you put a picture of Patti and the kids in the book?? :) It's a medical autobiography about this doctor's years as an orthopedic surgery resident at the Mayo Clinic, but also has a beautiful message about marriage and family. I loved how Dr. Collins interspersed humor and tenderness in the book at just the right moments. A great book, well-written, I didn't want it to end.
September 27, 2011
Told through flashback, Michael J. Collins’ Hot Lights, Cold Steel is a sleep-deprived romp through four years of orthopedic residency at the Mayo Clinic. Although published more than 20 years after his days as a resident, readers will feel as though they are along for the ride with Collins and his colleagues. He walks us through his thought process as he confronts his first views of surgery and many sleepless nights moonlighting in a rural emergency room. While the book doesn’t give great insight into the practice of orthopedic medicine, it does have enough descriptive scenes to make the squeamish blanch. But the focus is really on Collins’ journey and how he overcomes his feelings of inadequacy. Devouring textbooks and journals with Stedman’s Medical Dictionary by his side, Collins pushes to acquire the knowledge and experience needed to rise to chief resident. His story gives readers an appreciation for the financial and emotional sacrifices that doctors (and their families) make during training. It also might have some readers asking their surgeons when they last slept. This entertaining read is recommended for public, academic and medical libraries.
- Read and reviewed for LIS2586
- Read and reviewed for LIS2586
August 5, 2016
One of the reasons we (I'm assuming here) read doctor memoirs is to see the humanity that we miss in a world most of us can only understand a tiny part of. Dr. Collins seems to forget that. The stories are interesting, the patients are memorable, and his work ethic is admirable. But I never felt like I was reading about a person. He was a baby-making, middle-of-the-night, mistake-eschewing machine. Dr. Collins is probably an amazing doctor but, as an author, I wonder if he might have left his human condition in the operating room.
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December 16, 20202020 update: reads racist, sexist, and ableist in 2020.
My first BPL book, read while guarding the wall of boxes (mostly containing books) sitting outside the Parker Hill apt waiting on the painters to finish. I like the "ER" kind of stuff, so this was a quick easy read, but it contained the most disturbing 10 pages of text I've ever read (about the author's orthopedic oncology rotation).
My first BPL book, read while guarding the wall of boxes (mostly containing books) sitting outside the Parker Hill apt waiting on the painters to finish. I like the "ER" kind of stuff, so this was a quick easy read, but it contained the most disturbing 10 pages of text I've ever read (about the author's orthopedic oncology rotation).
March 26, 2021
An account of an orthopaedic residency at the Mayo Hospital. Sadly although this may have worked for this doctor, the long hours and sleep deprivation would have put his own as well as his patients lives at risk and he is lucky to have survived. Unfortunately I do not think the system has changed very much.
September 22, 2020
For those who like medical stories. This was excellent.
February 19, 2022
I admired his honesty and flexibility. Indeed, he reassured me that it is okay to be ignorant about certain topics in medicine and it’s okay to forget and it is okay to be human. As long as you’re still trying, you will be fine.
Honestly, you can pull through the impossible if you have a good sense of humor like he did.
The part where he went back to meet his old self. That was the best part; it reminded me of this quote.
( When a person talks about the past, he feels bitterness and feels heroic as well. He does not believe that he lived through all these tragedies and endured them.)
Honestly, you can pull through the impossible if you have a good sense of humor like he did.
The part where he went back to meet his old self. That was the best part; it reminded me of this quote.
( When a person talks about the past, he feels bitterness and feels heroic as well. He does not believe that he lived through all these tragedies and endured them.)
September 14, 2011
In my continuing obsession with medical student/doctor memoirs (begun last spring with Atul Gawande's wonderful books) comes this memoir about a doctor who used to be a construction worker. Collins only started medical school in his mid-twenties, and this book is primarily a story about his four years of residency as an aspiring orthopedic surgeon at the Mayo Clinic.
This book was different from Gawandes' (and probably most other medically-themed memoirs) primarily in its tone, because Collins is rarely serious. In fact, I laughed out loud more than once during this book--he has a lot of funny stories revolving around both his family and his fellow medical personnel, and of course, the neverending stream of patients. He turns serious at times, but mostly this was just a really engaging memoir about how unbelievably hard doctors have to work, both to become doctors in the first place, especially during their residencies, and then well, basically for the rest of their careers. Collins actually worked about 100 hours a week as a resident and ALSO had to moonlight at a hospital, because you don't make very much money as a resident. He worked constantly and never slept more than a couple hours. I don't know how they do it.
This book was different from Gawandes' (and probably most other medically-themed memoirs) primarily in its tone, because Collins is rarely serious. In fact, I laughed out loud more than once during this book--he has a lot of funny stories revolving around both his family and his fellow medical personnel, and of course, the neverending stream of patients. He turns serious at times, but mostly this was just a really engaging memoir about how unbelievably hard doctors have to work, both to become doctors in the first place, especially during their residencies, and then well, basically for the rest of their careers. Collins actually worked about 100 hours a week as a resident and ALSO had to moonlight at a hospital, because you don't make very much money as a resident. He worked constantly and never slept more than a couple hours. I don't know how they do it.
June 28, 2009
This is a book about a resdient at the Mayo Clinic in Orthopedics. It's about his struggles and his own doubts about why he was picked to get a residency in one of the top programs in the nation! So far, this book is proving incredibly interesting - although I must admit his residency experience appears to have been a LOT more demanding than mine!
Despite the sleepless nights and such - there is something to be said for the insanity and friendships that bloom in such a time! Some of my best friends are those that I made during my residency!!! I will admit that I viewed my residency as something to "just get through." In reality - it was one of the best times in my life! The end of the book is so true - there's something in you at the end of various chapters in life that demand acknowlegment. Some closure if you will. This book helped me remember the absurd, demanding, but fun times I've had and hopefully have yet to come in my professional life.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is considering undergoing a healthcare professionals residency or extra education! It was a a PLEASURE to read!!
Despite the sleepless nights and such - there is something to be said for the insanity and friendships that bloom in such a time! Some of my best friends are those that I made during my residency!!! I will admit that I viewed my residency as something to "just get through." In reality - it was one of the best times in my life! The end of the book is so true - there's something in you at the end of various chapters in life that demand acknowlegment. Some closure if you will. This book helped me remember the absurd, demanding, but fun times I've had and hopefully have yet to come in my professional life.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is considering undergoing a healthcare professionals residency or extra education! It was a a PLEASURE to read!!
February 6, 2022
the medical stuff is interesting but I have issues with any doctor who describes the breasts of every woman he comes across--nurse, wife, patient (I almost screamed out loud when he talked about the breasts of a teenage girl who DIED) or whose sense of humor is to tell his kids that he's missed them because he hasn't had anyone to spank in days. He talks about not being able to help out his wife (who has FOUR kids under the age of 5, I believe) because he has to moonlight to make money and expects our sympathy, but then casually drops in that he's off playing hockey and golf at various points in the book. His attitude toward nurses is pure toxic masculinity and apparently in his world no women are doctors? Which I don't completely understand since there have been female doctors in the world for a very long time. Anyway, I like reading medical stories and there are some good ones in this but the author made me want to pour purell all over myself
April 12, 2022
Pharmacists and nurses alike complain continually about the handwriting of physicians. Computers have accomplished a great deal in the resolution of this problem. There is yet another problem with most doctors' writing: it is boring as hell. An exception is Doctor Mike Collins' account of his four years as a resident in orthopedics at the Mayo Clinic. Orthopedic surgeons specialize in putting bones back together. To this historical role, they have added the maxim: if you can't fix it, replace it. It was not many years ago that a hip replacement or a knee replacement was the stuff of medical science fiction. Now it is routine. Collins blends the parts about orthopedic surgery with the very human story that attends this education. The pay is so bad that the residents must "moonlight" at other hospitals, despite being sleep deprived from the duties at Mayo. The cost to the family is very high, straining marriages and leaving children wondering where the missing parent might be. He also shares the very human dimension of treating patients, healing patients and losing patients. There is too little taught about physician mental health self care in medical school. Remarkably, Collins is not only a skilled surgeon but a very readable author ... an uncommon combination.
August 15, 2023
Funny and touching memories of orthopedic residency surgeon.
August 9, 2024
Really enjoyed this insight into a surgeons life. It was funny and heartfelt in the right proportions. It didn't quite get as good as this is going to hurt so not 5/5, but a pretty good one.
July 2, 2014
One of the central themes of this book is quite simple: surgery is exhausting. The author's story explains how he goes through a grueling four-year orthopedic surgery residency at the Mayo Clinic.
I liked this book for two main reasons:
1) The fastidious and rigorous nature of surgery is clearly exemplified. I tried watching a few episodes of Gray's Anatomy in the past and couldn't make it through a couple of episodes. There are no late night escapades and fancy wine-and-dine moments in this book. There is just the next day (or night if you're on call). The author makes $2.50 an hour and works 36 hour shifts, often back to back. He is so tired, he falls asleep while driving and can barely pay attention to his own family during one of his more tiring rotations. Obviously there is no time or energy for scandalous love making in the on-call room for this fellow.
2) The book shows the progression of a man who was extremely excited by a total knee replacement and loved orthopedic surgery to a veteran chief resident whose love for the field is still there (albeit much more subdued). In this journey, we see someone who learns to value his workmanship, lose and regain the humanity of his practice, and learn to value his family above all.
I liked this book for two main reasons:
1) The fastidious and rigorous nature of surgery is clearly exemplified. I tried watching a few episodes of Gray's Anatomy in the past and couldn't make it through a couple of episodes. There are no late night escapades and fancy wine-and-dine moments in this book. There is just the next day (or night if you're on call). The author makes $2.50 an hour and works 36 hour shifts, often back to back. He is so tired, he falls asleep while driving and can barely pay attention to his own family during one of his more tiring rotations. Obviously there is no time or energy for scandalous love making in the on-call room for this fellow.
2) The book shows the progression of a man who was extremely excited by a total knee replacement and loved orthopedic surgery to a veteran chief resident whose love for the field is still there (albeit much more subdued). In this journey, we see someone who learns to value his workmanship, lose and regain the humanity of his practice, and learn to value his family above all.
August 12, 2014
This book follows Collins through his four-year orthopedic residency at the Mayo Clinic. Collins is an engaging story-teller; it was hard to put this book down. At times, it's laugh at loud funny, at other times incredibly sobering.
Witnessing his transformation from an unsure first-year resident to a confident senior resident is remarkable. It's also very interesting because while there are a clearly a lot of protections in place to ensure that surgical residents are properly overseen, it also raises questions on the nature of surgical training. You have to let residents cut at some point, of course, and eventually they must operate on their own, but the process is both remarkable and terrifying.
Also, I know that this book was written many years after his residency, and that surgery, especially orthopedics, is a male-dominated field, but I was struck by the complete absence of any women surgeons or even doctors. The only women in the book were the wives and a couple of nurses. That is no fault of Collins; it was just the way things were. I've heard orthopedics referred to as the "old-boys club," and this really cemented that. I don't know that things have changed much in that particular surgical specialty.
Witnessing his transformation from an unsure first-year resident to a confident senior resident is remarkable. It's also very interesting because while there are a clearly a lot of protections in place to ensure that surgical residents are properly overseen, it also raises questions on the nature of surgical training. You have to let residents cut at some point, of course, and eventually they must operate on their own, but the process is both remarkable and terrifying.
Also, I know that this book was written many years after his residency, and that surgery, especially orthopedics, is a male-dominated field, but I was struck by the complete absence of any women surgeons or even doctors. The only women in the book were the wives and a couple of nurses. That is no fault of Collins; it was just the way things were. I've heard orthopedics referred to as the "old-boys club," and this really cemented that. I don't know that things have changed much in that particular surgical specialty.
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