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Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics, Vol. 5, No. 3, July-September, 2009, pp. 221 Book Review How Doctors Think Tiwari Meena Dr. Balabhai Nanavati Hospital, S.V. Road, Ville Parle (West), Mumbai- 400056 Code Number: cr09056 Editor: Jerome Groopman I would like to put it as a ′biographical′ sketch of the cognitive capacity of doctors at large. The author, Jerome Groopman, an accomplished physician himself, has addressed all the factors critically influencing the clinical prowess of physicians, surgeons, oncologists and pediatricians. Affiliates on the pitfalls and challenges of each of them have been accounted with the help of real case scenarios. An interesting concept that has been underscored, yet again, in the book is the role of patients in assisting the doctor to reach an accurate diagnosis. It would serve as an informative read for the patients as well. Dr. Groopman has critically reviewed the incorporation of ′evidence- based medicine′ in the training of medical students. The ′Bayesian analysis′- a method of clinical decision making with strict adherence to treatment algorithms should be deferred in medicine. Medicine is a branch where each patient is unique and his/her response to the algorithm based treatment varies. Use of mathematical paradigms in human constitution is fraught with judgmental errors, the author opines. Therefore, this book will serve as an excellent guide for the budding doctors to ascertain the deft application of their knowledge. The chapter on oncology raises the issue of doctors naming certain cancers as ′bad disease′. The author has cautioned oncologists against the use of this word in their practice. According to him, in such cases, ′ a doctor should increase his efforts rather than retreat. Sometimes even very bad diseases can be cured′. Corporatization of medicine is another important issue that has been addressed by the author. He has aptly described, with examples, how the unabashed marketing by pharmaceutical companies affects the psyche of doctors and patients alike. The author is of the opinion that the physicians should discourage such liaisons with drug manufacturers as it may harm their patients. The readers will realize that the scenarios mentioned in the book are universally existing everywhere - East and West alike. The book is an excellent literary record of the tough lives of doctors. It will serve to augment the ′Hippocratic Oath′ that is unconsciously cast aside during the asperity of clinical practice. It definitely deserves a place in your personal library - a ′must read′. Copyright 2009 - Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics |
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