The Medical Science of House, M.D.: The Facts Behind the Addictive Medical Drama

by Andrew Holtz

Answers to these questions and more are pursued every week on House, M.D. Premiering in November 2004, the darkly quirky medical drama introduced a compelling new character to prime-time the sarcastic, abrasive—and brilliant—Dr. Gregory House. Week after week, House has held viewers’ attention with brilliant cast performances and intriguing diagnostic mysteries often solved with daring treatments. But how much of the medical detail is real and how much is fabricated? In The Medical Science of House, M.D. , Andrew Holtz, a well-known medical journalist, reveals how medical detectives work—how they follow symptoms to their source. He examines each case in detail—and provides answers for every viewer who has ever wondered about the authenticity of their favorite show.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Medicine, Medical, Health, Unfinished

272 pages, Paperback

First published October 3, 2006

About the author

Former CNN Medical Correspondent Andrew Holtz, MPH, is an independent journalist based in Portland, Oregon.

His third book, “House M.D. vs. Reality” was released in March 2011. “The Medical Science of House, M.D.” was published in October 2006. Both books compare the medicine and other health care matters depicted on the TV show House to the real world. In January 2010, Berkley/Penguin published “The Real Grey’s Anatomy,” which takes a behind-the-scenes look at the training of surgeons. Holtz has also commented on media depictions of medicine in his ScriptDoctor column in Oncology Times.

Holtz was the Senior News Editor and Chief Anchor of video news reports for MDiTV.com from 2009 to mid-2010. (Archived videos available at www.lmpn.tv)

Holtz is a reviewer for www.HealthNewsReview.org, which evaluates news reports about medicine.

In addition to 17 years as a CNN Correspondent, Holtz has reported stories and produced programs for PBS, Oregon Public Broadcasting, and international TV networks. His work has appeared in Harvard University’s Nieman Reports, TV Week, and on web sites such as the-scientist.com. In 1998-99 he was a Media Fellow of the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Holtz is on the Board of Directors of the Association of Health Care Journalists (AHCJ) and the Center for Excellence in Health Care Journalism. He was AHCJ Board President from 2000 to 2004 and was Interim Executive Director during 2004-2005. AHCJ represents more than 1000 journalists who cover health, medicine and the business of health care. The Center produces educational conferences and other training and development materials for journalists.

Holtz has an appointment as a clinical instructor at the Oregon Health & Science University, where he did the research for his book on surgery residency.

Holtz is a member and former chair of the Multnomah County Bicycle and Pedestrian Citizen’s Advisory committee and is active in community efforts to make neighborhoods friendlier to walking, cycling and other physical activity.

He has a BA in Broadcast Communication from Stanford University and a Master’s in Public Health from the Oregon MPH program at Portland State University.

Holtz is married and has two children.

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little less than a hundred pages in, I'm not feeling terribly invested in this book anymore. When I got it, I had the idea that it would be an interesting case-study style walkthrough of individual episodes from the series. I was also expecting something a bit more technical and wasn't prepared for how closely the author is holding the reader's hand.

The book simplifies its explanations and vocabulary to avoid using very much medical terminology. It's definitely geared toward a lower reading level. I think the author is probably used to writing for popular periodicals - another reviewer noted that the book reads like a magazine article and I think that's a very accurate description of the writing. It's fine, I suppose. But not especially good.

[Marília Domingos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este livro é interessante no sentido em que me pareceu um pouco como "Medicina para Leigos", contendo algumas explicações acerca de como os médicos chegam a um diagnóstico. Apresenta também ao leitor alguma informação acerca de várias patologias e práticas médicas, assim como equipamentos e produtos relacionados com o exercício desta profissão. No entanto, para aqueles que já estão um pouco por dentro desta área, muitas descrições tornam-se aborrecidas de ler e, para quem é fã da série televisiva Dr. House, a abordagem do autor revela-se insuficiente no que toca ao aprofundar os episódios da série. Estava à espera de uma maior atenção à série Dr. House, tal como o título do livro assim o indica e, no entanto, o livro apenas menciona alguns episódios como forma de ligação entre assuntos. Gostei, mas estava à espera de algo mais interessante e cativante.

[Jordi · Rating 2 out of 5]

On the plus side, it is an easy read, well-structured and somewhat informative.

However, the book is not about anything the cover says it is about. There are no in-depth discussions of cases in the series, nor does it really deal with the extent to which House is based on "truth". Much rather, most of the book discusses the daily business of doctors and gives some examples of how characters in House also display this behaviour. Furthermore, the book does not go into detail or has any technical discussions, which is probably due to the fact that the author is (1) not a doctor himself and (2) accustomed to writing about medical subjects for a non-informed audience in his capacity as a journalist.

I bought the book because the prospect of a discussion of some cases in House intrigued me. While the book itself is not bad, and it reads like a charm, the subject material has only very little to do with medical science in House.

[BG Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are a fan of House and are interested in TV medicine and doctors this book is very interesting. Also interesting is how to spell many of the words they use on House (paraneoplastic syndrome or ommaya reservoir for example).

The silly parts of this book is all the experts who keep saying "medicine in the real world is not like it is on House." Thanks for the tip. See I thought politics are like "west wing", tv is like "30 Rock" and starship captains are like James T Kirk. This irks me because it means the author does not get tv, or not even tv but storytelling.

If you don't like House, don't bother with this book.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not exactly what I was expecting. Basically uses some examples from the TV show to explain all of processes how to diagnose and treat a patient ( in the states mostly), going from which ( and what they are) tests to make until organizations that regulate hospitals and doctors.
I find it good thorough but it lacks something. Or is the writing a bit disconnected or the jumps from one topic to another...I can really say what it is.

[Angelino Desmet · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a journalist he shouldn't have missed that Cameron is a woman, and that House wrote "not this leg" on his own leg. But it soon becomes apparent why these blatant mistakes were made; Andrew Holtz isn't really a fan. The book isn't about detailing every episode, but to expand upon the boons and pitfalls of modern medicine. Although the title is downright misleading, the first half was actually genuinely interesting. He even mentions Daniel Kahneman and the dangers of ubiquitous biases. Unfortunately, towards the end, the useful information is slowly replaced by a bashing of Gregory House, a bashing of doctors, and a crowning of nurses—who supposedly do the real doctor work anyway [sic]. This book could have been a wonderful exposition on the philosophy behind the leading characters and the medicine of each episode. It doesn't, though. So minus three stars for: using a misleading title, erring basic facts, and ending with a superficial subjective generalisation of doctors.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ik kan hier heel kort in zijn: wat een teleurstelling. Een wat langere uitleg: Het boek draagt het beeld van de TV serie House MD, maar inhoudelijk komt er weinig van de serie terug. De auteur bespreekt slechts een handjevol zaken van Dr. House. Als er tien verschillende afleveringen worden genoemd is het veel, terwijl de serie al drie jaar bezig was toen het boek uitkwam. De titel doet denken dat de zaken medisch gezien worden besproken, maar dat blijft grotendeels uit. De auteur focuste zich op de medische stand van zaken eromheen. Dus bijvoorbeeld dat differentiaal diagnostiseren echt bestaat en wanneer de CDC ingeschakeld moet worden. Het lijkt er bijna op dat de auteur de serie gebruikt heeft als handig kapstokje om zijn verhaal aan op te hangen en misschien wel om te profiteren van de populairiteit van de serie. Ook lijkt de auteur niet zo’n fan te zijn van Dr. House. Als fan van de serie is dat natuurlijk niet erg leuk om tussen de regels door te lezen.

[David Meyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even though I don't watch a lot of House, I thought this would be interesting. I've seen more than a few episodes over the years, and was interested to see where the author would take this book. Unfortunately, the show itself isn't really mentioned often. Instead, specific episodes are briefly mentioned (usually just a sentence at a time) to discuss specific issues in the world of medicine. In the book, Holtz goes through different aspects of medicine and what a doctor does in the course of their career, but works a little too hard to lower the reading level seemingly as far down as possible.

[Kaitlyn Shelton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t think I’m this book’s target audience. It was more about the basics of medicine than the nitty gritty of the cases. I was hoping for more of a case study approach where the author took apart the cases and explained them, but instead he talked about the basics in the diagnostic process. A waste of time if you work in the medical field, I don’t know how non-healthcare readers felt about it.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book de-mystifies the actions of House and his colleagues in the television show. It tells how all doctors (and nurses) work in normal situations. It tells how House would actually perform in a real hospital, getting reprimands or even criminal charges against him or the hospital. Mostly, it is a beginner's introduction to medicine. It's a good book for high school students and older people who don't know much about medicine.

[Ryan Purvis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the depth of the content too high level. Interesting in parts, but really didn’t excite or intrigue.

[Monani · Rating 5 out of 5]

These cast books are exceptionally excellent.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was interesting, I used to love House so it was a fun read. I wish it covered more than the first two seasons though. It made me start re-watching House which was the best part.

[Eric Bias · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not very engaging and since it was written so long ago (2006) the data provided is probably outdated.

[Eileen Goodwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rather an interesting book although it is rather outdated by now. I do remember with fondness watching House years ago and reading this book brings back those memories.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kijk het is een interessant boek, maar ik ga hierdoor de serie niet meer kijken.

[Hallie Huffman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got the distinct impression while reading this book that yes, House MD was indeed a FICTIONAL depiction of medicine, but that the author was really bothered by it and harped on it quite a bit. It kind of tainted the experience. It was still a good book for all the information, but it felt like when someone tries to tear someone else down to build themselves up. I did like the information, but overall that issue is what makes me say it's only ok.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have had the frustrating experience of watching a movie or TV show with me, then you know that I have a hard time paying attention. I multi-task (eat, play on the computer, read). House is the exception. It keeps my attention. Sure, there's a formula, but I love it. House is Sherlock Holmes and I love a good detective story.

Watching House has definitely helped me do better in the medical categories on Jeopardy. I was curious to know, how accurate is the medicine on the show. This book answers that question.

The author, a medical journalist, analyzes the show in depth. Some things are accurate. Some are not. The episode where they "kill" someone to drain the fluid from her brain? Could happen, has happened. Some of the things that are inaccurate are the rapid turn-around on tests they sound out, House's ability to get away with his behavior without debilitating lawsuits, etc.

If you're a House aficionado, this book is great!

[Martyn Lovell · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book takes a light overview of many aspects of medical science and loosely relates it to things from the first couple of seasons of the House MD television show.

Large sections of the book are relatively shallow coverage of general medical issues. These are not very enlightening unless you have very little knowledge, and not really related to House.

Some parts get closer to the title subject, by reporting on more unusual cases. But very little of this book fulfils the promise of the title. The writing style is bland and lacks wit or energy.

What this book is primarily is a survey of healthcare in general, suitable for someone with a very basic, general interest.

It is not strongly related to House, nor does it delve deeply into the kinds of cases and situations that make up the Medical Science underpinning the show.

Strongly not recommended.

[Alexis Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book The Medical Science of House M.D. is a book that focuses on analyzing the cases that are seen on the popular show House M.D., where the Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Gregory House and his team of specialists, solve on a daily basis when other doctors cannot find the root cause of their problems.

This book was used to get more detailed insight of the life of an Infectious Disease Specialist, and what a day in their work might look like, varying in the content that the case has. It gives a wide range of what cases can look like, as well as how they are treated and perused.

Overall this book was somewhat helpful in reading about what an infectious disease specialist does, but it was not as much information as was needed.

[Imran · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book has nothing to do with the tv show HOUSE. It only uses the tv show for examples or transitions into new chapters. There will be pages and pages with no mention of the show.
Besides that little dissapointment, the book tries a little too hard to be an easy read. It feels like one big magazine article. Some chapters are interesting ... most not-so-much.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing and informative book detailing the fact and fiction of everyone's favorite misanthropic Vicodin-addicted doctor, Gregory House. You'll learn how doctors come to their diagnoses (following symptoms to the source) and what tools they use to make these diagnoses, from ultrasound to surgical biopsies to PET scans.

[Bruno Guerreiro · Rating 3 out of 5]

House is inspired on Sherlock Holmes. The last-name initials H and W (Holmes, Watson) are indubitably present in the series (House, Wilson) and even personality traits are uncanny for both characters. This book attempts to analytically walk the reader through the logic of such a brilliant mind, when focused on medical cases. It is a nice introduction to multilevel thinking.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty good. definitly not for someone who knows a thing or two about medecine, but its pretty interesting how they refer back to specific cases on the show. i wish it addressed the more medically apt audience that i think watch the show.

[Kaylee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hm, Well, this book mostly just talks about medical things, and uses House as an example. It's really good if you want to get down to the nitty gritty on a certain illness, but not if you want the latest scoop on HouseXCameron or something.

[Daniel Galassi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely great combination of real world, factual data and House MD analysis. Not boring, containing a lot of interesting research into the health care system, physicians, nurses and of course, patients!

[Phil Marchese · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was interesting, and it was cool to read about actual medicine and how things really go down, not what is portrayed in House. Some was a bit boring, like during the safety procedures and all the legalities of medicine...but what can you expect, this is supposed to be about the reality of it.

[Mo]

I can't finish this until I have seen all of the episodes, aaaargh!

[Eleanora · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you love watching House MD and curious about all those bizarre illnesses, then this is a must read. Written to explain the fact and fiction behind this medical drama.

[Geneva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book filled with interesting medical facts.