Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Human biology & related topics > Medical anthropology
|
Buy Now
Expected Miracles - Surgeons at Work (Paperback, New)
Loot Price: R834
Discovery Miles 8 340
|
|
Expected Miracles - Surgeons at Work (Paperback, New)
Expected to ship within 12 - 17 working days
|
"Expected Miracles" explores the world of surgeons from their own
perspective how they perceive themselves, their work, colleagues,
and communities. Recognizing that surgery is an art, a craft, a
science, and a business, Joan Cassell offers, through poignant,
painful, and thrilling descriptions, a vivid portrayal of the
culture of surgery. Cassell has entered a realm where laypersons
are usually horizontal, naked, and anesthetized. Using the central
metaphor of the surgical 'miracle', she illuminates the drama of
the operating room, where surgeons and patients alike expect heroic
performance. She takes us backstage to overhear conversations about
patients, families, and colleagues, observe operations, eavesdrop
on gossip about surgeons' performances, and examine the values,
behavior, and misbehavior of surgeons at work. Said one Chief of
Surgery, 'You couldn't have a good surgeon who didn't believe in
the concept of the Hero'. Following this lead, Cassell explores the
heroic temperament of those who perform surgical 'miracles' and
finds that the demands and pressures of surgical practice require
traits that in other fields, or in personal interactions, are often
regarded as undesirable. She observes, 'surgeons must tread a fine
line between courage and recklessness, confidence and hubris, a
positive attitude and a magical one'. This delicate balance and
frequent imbalance is portrayed through several character sketches.
She contrasts the caring attention and technical mastery of The
Exemplary Surgeon with the theatrical posturing of The Prima Donna
and the slick showiness and questionable morals of The Sleazy
Surgeon. She also identifies the attributes that surgeons admire in
each other. They believe that only peers can really evaluate each
other, and, while doctors might not speak negatively about
colleagues in public, the community of surgeons exerts considerable
pressure on its members to perform competently. Unlike
'doctor-bashing' chronicles, "Expected Miracles" seeks to
understand the charismatic authority of surgeons, its instability,
and its price-to surgeons and to patients. Joan Cassell is a
research associate in the Department of Anthropology of Washington
University and the editor of "Children in the Field:
Anthropological Experiences" (Temple).
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
|
You might also like..
|