Brain Surgeon
Brain Surgeon: A Doctor's Inspiring Encounters with Mortality and Miracles
Author: Keith Black
Dr. Keith Black, a neurosurgeon who has worked extensivly with brain cancer patients, provides his perspectives on brain cancer, the power of faith, and the strengths of his patients (among other topics). A fascinating read - both for the descriptions of the brain surgeries (and the dangers therein) as well as Dr. Black's story of overcoming racial prejudice to reach the top of his profession.
The book reads as quickly as any mystery and is detailed enough as to cause a squirm then and again. The science aspect is wonderful - both the surgeries and the research that Dr. Black has become involved with. It was a pleasure to read.
The author claims that the real heroes are the patients who undergo these grueling surgeries. But my reading was that the doctor was the real hero. Did he not argue his case strongly enough, did he not really believe it, or was my perspective somehow warped? There were other places in the book that the author seemed just a bit self-serving - but I imagine that is true for many autobiographical sketches. In any case, this is a minor issue.
Recommended: This should be required reading for med students and is recommended to all - even the faithless like myself.