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Hot Lights, Cold Steel

Life, Death and Sleepless Nights in a Surgeon's First Years

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About this listen

When Michael Collins decided to become a surgeon, he was 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 felt inadequate and unprepared. All too soon the euphoria of beginning his career as an orthopedic resident gave way to the feeling he was a counterfeit, an imposter who had 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 thing: a succession of run-down cars that are towed to the junkyard, long weekends moonlighting at rural hospitals, a family that grows larger every year, and a laughable income.

©2005 Michael J. Collins, MD (P)2017 Tantor Medical Medicine & Health Care Industry Professionals & Academics Surgery Witty Thought-Provoking Health Care Medicine Medical Education Surgery History
All stars
Most relevant
Humours, educational - great to listen to
Thoroughly enjoyed. A story of journey through years of being a surgical resident. Very interesting.

A truly great listen

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I found this book a really good, honest read, it shows the reality of the transition from a university graduate in medicine along the path to a qualified orthopaedic surgeon. The insight into the financial struggles, the shock of others outside the profession who believed that the letters MD after the authors name meant a large amount of wealth and seeing hundreds of beautiful women naked was far from reality (read the book to understand that comment!) The reality of making decisions that would affect the patients life forever, the long hours, poor pay all showed that being an MD was only one step to fulfilling the reality of being the orthopaedic surgeon.
The book has a good balance of the poignancy, humour, sorrow and the day to day stresses of working and studying as a junior doctor. The love and support he has from Patsy (his wife) is beautiful. I would recommend this book as it is not patronising, giving a real impression the author's life during that time and how it pop prepared him for his life moving forward.

An enjoyable and insightful experience.

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It kept my attention throughout, it was to do with the medical world, topic I enjoy.
Recommend for those who also enjoy medical storylines, factual or otherwise.

I really enjoyed this book

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Very interesting excellently written book that is understandable by both medical and non-medical audience. Great humor. Harsh medical reality. Great performance of the narrator. One of the best audiobooks I've listened to. Highly recommend. Reminds me of my residency times.

Excellent blend of cold medical reality and hot humor!

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Loved this book, his Irish humour is brilliant and he's very honest throughout. Gives great insight into this world. Like others have said, I wish he had written about the next chapters of his life.
Excellent read.

Absolutely hilarious and insightful. Very honest

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