Do No Harm

HOLIDAY DAY 13

Just finishing 'Do No Harm' a series of case studies by the London neurosurgeon Henry Marsh. The book was recommended by a neurology colleague and friend of mine. Thank you.

The book is a remarkably frank account of what it takes to be a neurosurgeon; warts and all. It also highlights many issues we all have on a daily basis with the modern NHS. It is the first book I have read like this from a surgical perspective; there are many penned by neurologists. What the book highlights are the obvious cultural differences between neurosurgeons and neurologists. Neurosurgeons get immediate results, good and bad, and have to face their demons on a daily basis. Neurologists rarely get such acute feedback, which may explain why there is such a wide variation in our practice; particularly when it comes to adopting new therapeutic practices. The latter makes the quality metrics I have been discussing on this blog so pertinent. And yes we, the ABN, did get our response in on time to NICE.

Enough said 'Do No Harm' is a brilliant read; another high recommendation.  In fact I am going to make it an essential read for all my trainees.

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