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  • Blue Collar, Blue Scrubs

  • The Making of a Surgeon
  • By: Michael J. Collins MD
  • Narrated by: John Pruden
  • Length: 9 hrs and 40 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (31 ratings)

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Blue Collar, Blue Scrubs cover art

Blue Collar, Blue Scrubs

By: Michael J. Collins MD
Narrated by: John Pruden
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Summary

It looked for a while like Michael Collins would spend his life breaking concrete and throwing rocks for the Vittorio Scalese Construction Company. He liked the work and he liked the pay. But a chance remark by one of his coworkers made him realize that he wanted to involve himself in something bigger, something more meaningful than crushing rocks and drinking beer.  

In his acclaimed first memoir, Hot Lights, Cold Steel, Collins wrote passionately about his four-year surgical residency at the prestigious Mayo Clinic. Blue Collar, Blue Scrubs turns back the clock, taking listeners from his days as a construction worker to his entry into medical school, expertly infusing his journey to become a doctor with humanity, compassion, and humor. From the first time he delivers a baby to being surrounded by death and pain on a daily basis, Collins compellingly writes about how medicine makes him confront, in a very deep and personal way, the nature of God and suffering - and how delicate life can be.

©2009 Michael J. Collins, M.D. (P)2018 Tantor

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What listeners say about Blue Collar, Blue Scrubs

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  • Overall
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Easily enjoyable

I listen to an extremely large amount of audio books and some of the memoirs of similar life stories I find lacking in the grabbing of my attention. But this book was easily enjoyable k highly recommend this book you will not be disappointed. Left me smiling in parts and really conveyed the harder aspects of what he had to face up to morally on certain subjects. Made me sit and think and about the issues brought up too.
Basically an excellent listen you won’t be disappointed

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Inspirational story

I enjoyed. I was inspired. I like Michael as a person and enjoyed his presentation which was unique. I thoroughly enjoyed the Irish threads, they were 'so' Irish (I say this with great affection).
I wished it had followed his medical career a little more closely.
Not an extraordinary work of litature but a good book never the less.1

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Hidden gem

A witty,touching account of a MD’s struggle to make a difference in others peoples lives as well as his own.

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Insightful and amusing

This was a pleasant listen however included important insights into the experience of the author, the questions that he grappled with as a trainee and the humour of life. Both books are worth the time

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Enjoyable.

As a medical person myself I enjoyed this book. I can recommend this audio book.

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Interesting

A story from someone who truly revolutionised his life and brought a unique perspective to medicine

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Impressive

Fascinating to hear what someone who is determined to achieve his goal will put himself through.

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Excellent book

Great story of a doctor told in humorous way but also often touching on more serious subjects. I’m a senior radiologist and assure you that the story reflects my experiences with medical school and residency. This book is addressed to general audience so the medical language is easy to follow. Great book. Highly recommend.

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Amazing

The bad language at the start of this book wasn’t very nice but necessary and overall Michael J Collins MDs book is excellent.

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