Book Description

"A powerful, true story of life and death in a major metropolitan hospital...Harrowing... An important book."
THE NEW YORK TIMES
What is life worth? And what is a life worth living? At a time when America faces vital choices about the future of its health care, former NEW YORK TIMES correspondent Lisa Belkin takes a powerful and poignant look at the inner workings of Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas, telling the remarkable, real-life stories of the doctors, patients, families, and hospital administrators who must ask--and ultimately answer--the most profound and heart-rendng questions about life and death.
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Reviews (5)

The Humanity of Doctors
I could hardly put this book down until I was finished with it. It was not just eye-opening about how some of the ethical choices in medicine must be made, including the all-too necessary financial considerations. It showed how human doctors are and how difficult it can be for them to have to make heart-wrenching decisions in which there is no right answer, especially when it is clear that, no matter which choice they make, there is not going to be a good outcome for the patient. In spite of their training and attempt to insulate themselves emotionally from their cases in order to remain objective and professional, it's not always possible. Ms. Belkin's descriptions of doctors in tears was very moving, and proved to me that those people chose the right profession, because they really do care about their patients.
I found, by searching for them on the AMA web site, that a lot of the doctors in this book are still in practice in Houston (one is in Albuquerque). This search gave absolute credence to the fact that these stories are not fiction but about real people.

A Jerky look into the TRUE CARE of the Modern Hospital
This book will keep your interests suspended in a state where bed time no longer matters, reading it until it is done and the re-skimming the chapters. Based in my home town of HOUSTON, TX. It gives you perspective on the true heros of the health care system.

This book has confirmed my interests in becoming a doctor and it will serve as a symbol of my ability to serve and my longing to be the best in the field of my choice.

Thank you Lisa, for being fair
Having a child featured in this book, I have read it several times. Lisa did a fantastic job when she wrote this book. You will find it to be a very insightful book. Having lived through this ordeal myself, I know that Lisa tried very hard to make sure that her facts are real and accurate. If you enjoy stories about the medical field I trully believe that you will find this one hard to put down until you have finished it.

Goodmedical novel
I love books about the problems of the Medical community. This one was very good. The author included factual information along with true like human interest stories of real people in Houston, Texas in the 80's. I left this book at a book exchange at The Plaza Las Glorias in Cozumel, Mexico on 10-28-00 around 9:00am and it was gone by 11:00am. I would love to know where it went. I hope Amazon prints this.

An excellent book!
Ms. Belkin follows the work of the ethics commitee at Hermann Hospital. For anyone who enjoys true medical stories and difficult biomedical ethics problems, this is a great novel. Ms. Belkin does not present solutions, since in most cases there are no "right" solutions. Instead she provides an objective account of the cases from the point of view of all parties involved. This would also be an excellent book to use for discussion in a biomedical ethics clas ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Radiology 101
Great books for students and interns for a general introduction on radiology, including reading x-ray fils of the head, chest, abdoman, pelvis, and bone fractures. It also has a great review on CT reading. It has lots of films with arrows and illustrations for novices to follow. Great book to have

Excellent for third year clinical rotations.
I bought this book during first year of medical school but didn't appreciate its quality until 3rd and 4th year (the clinical years). Concise text with many, many high-quality radiographs and studies. Covers the basics of diagnostic imaging and then moves to areas of the body: head, chest, abdomen, bone & joint, etc. with imaging modalities for each explained. An excellent way to learn how to look at films, ultrasounds, CT, MRI, and nuclear medicine studies. Can't recommend it highly enough. ... Read more

Book Description

Frank Navratil's new book on Iris Diagnosis, "For Your Eyes Only" is a comprehensive, easy to understand study of Iridology, with over 200 colour slides plus diagrams and case studies for the beginner or advanced Iridology student/health professional. This book has been translated into several languages and is currently selling in Europe, America and Canada. "For Your Eyes Only" is one of the best books of its kind on the subject of Iridology. It is hardcover, full color on the best quality paper, 158 pages. ISBN: 80-238-7220-6.

The best of this book includes:
Genetic Iris Constitutions
Eye colors and what they mean
Iris maps
A complete study of iridology
Over 200 color plates of iris, pupil and sclera signs
Real case studies
Iridology and all the major body systems
How to find the root of disease
Psychological signs found in the iris
The essential processes of life
Natural healing methods
Diet and lifestyle changes for a long and healthy life ... Read more

Reviews (4)

the best iridology book I have ever read
this book not only explains and teaches the art of iridology but it so inspirational in terms of natural healing. I enjoyed every part of it and could not put it down once I started. A must read if you are into iridology or natural medicine. Frank Navratil writes in such a straight forward way that anyone can understand. The book is also excellent with hundreds of color pictures. I sincerely recommend this book as well as his others.

Excellent iridology resource
An excellent resource for the beginner or advanced iridology student. It is full of hundreds of iris images and is written extremely well. It is one of the best books on iridology that I have ever read and I have read most of them that are available.
I sincerely recommend it.

The most fascinating report of Iridology that I have ever re
Frank Navratil in his book on Iridology clearly explains to the beginner or advanced iridologist the importance of iridology as a diagnostic method. I have read many books on Iridology, I sincerely recommend this one. It has hundreds of iris photographs that are marked with various signs and there are also healing methods and lifestyle advice. Don't miss this one if you are interested in Iridology.

Best book on iridology in the world
This book offered a clear and step-by step description of iridology and what can be seen in the eye. The author Frank Navratil BSc. N.D. shows how wonderful the art and science of iridology is and what it can reveal about our health. I was amazed at what the eye reveals.
One of the best books on iridology that I have read and I have read many. Certainly a must for any therapist working in iridology or anyone new to this fantastic science and miracle of natural medicine. ... Read more

Book Description

A concise yet comprehensive guide to managing cardiac disease, covering diagnostic techniques, treatment, prevention strategies, and prognosis. The Second Edition now includes a new chapter on geriatric cardiology, plus new information on controlling cardiac risk factors and treating cardiac arrhythmias with implantable cardiac devices (ICDs). ... Read more

Reviews (3)

out of date
Well, although the title of this book contains the word "current" the latest study quoted on stents dates back to 1998. Thus, this "current treatment" book misses full five years of stent development and progress. Also, I have not found any quoted study from the years 2001 and 2002. How can this book pretend to review current diagnostic and treatment strategies (the copyright of this book is from 2003)?

A wonderful review
This moderate-sized book is the most wonderful cardiology review I've ever seen. Take one without any hesetance.

American College of Cardiology
American College of Cardiology is a very important review for my job. I'm a doctor in the S. Camillo hospital, in Rome ... Read more

Reviews (3)

WELL-WRITTEN AND BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED
This well-written and beautifully illustrated textbook was designed for medical students. It is comprehensive: with each chapter sectioned into technical, anatomical and pathological sub-headings.
"Clinical Radiology: The Essentials" embraced all aspects of diagnostic and interventional imaging techniques currently in use. It is a general mini-reference text whose aim is to provide students with all the tutorials that they may need during revision.
Still, experienced radiologists would appreciate its concise outlook, which makes it an ideal memory-refreshing tool.

Excellent Introduction to Radiology!
I truly recommend this book to every medical student, specially to those doing a rotation in Radiology. The book is marvelously illustrated with hundreds of big and clear photos of every diagnostic imaging modality currently used, showing the most important technical, anatomic and radiologic considerations one must have when ordering and evaluating an imaging study. The book is very clearly written, goes to the point and takes into account almost every clinical situation one is likely to encounter in practice. I could even say it's enjoyable.

read a while and say goodnight
Radiology is enriched by this summarizing book in a more or less satisfying manner. In my opinion, the author has found an average compromise between textbook and atlas of radiological pathology. Although you will find many good figures of typical laesions, it may happen that you have to search for them for a little while, because this book is lacking a conceice content of figures. If one was a bloody beginner in radiology, a more detailed description of normal findings would have been helpful. Nevertheless, if you are interested in reading and looking a couple of time when nothing else is to do that night, you can never be wrong with that book. Moreover, the price is fair in comparison to similar books even appeared at LWW. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

"An in-depth study for any nursing student..."
As a first year nursing student, my critical skills practice was at a self-study pace. With this book I was able to master the skills needed to give quality health care.

Excellent Book with Step-by-Step Explanations of procedures.
This is an excellent book! I may not have made it through my first year of nursing school without it! Each procedure is clearly explained using photos, diagrams, and checklists.

Each procedure lists the equipment needed, implementation, special considerations and complications to look for as well as what to document after the procedure is completed.

I would recommend this book to all nursing students and nurses who are looking for a refresher guide. You won't be disappointed! ... Read more

Book Description

Clinical Policies and Procedures for Home Health Care Organizations provides home health, hospice, and private duty care organizations with clinical policies and procedures that can be individualized and supplemented to meet each organizations unique needs. Clinical policies and procedures are intended to reflect the organizations mission and values and to enhance the organizations administrative policies. The policies and procedures in this manual serve as a guide that, when implemented appropriately and in conjunction with other required practices, will advance the organization in the pursuit of quality care. The policies and procedures reflect the acceptable clinical practices prevalent within the home care setting. Chapters are provided on general medical surgical topics, as well as on specialty program areas, including: maternal/newborn, pediatric, psychiatric, home infusion, terminal condition care (hospice), personal care (aide/companion), and complementary/integrative modalities. Newly developed organizations and established organizations find Clinical Policies and Procedures for Home Health Care Organizations to be useful in maintaining compliance with acceptable standards of practice and regulatory and accreditation requirements. For Orders and Inquiries, please call: 1-888-427-5800. ... Read more

Book Description

Covering everything from the fundamentals of anatomy and physiology to postpartum care, this book offers well-organized chapter, easy-to-follow narrative, step-by-step procedures, and many concept-supporting illustrations. Explores such areas as corporate compliance, patient satisfaction, and cultural competencies. Also updates/expands sections on identifying abuse, and incorporating standard precautions into all activities. For home health care professionals seeking a refresher and reference book. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (5)

Claire Berman Speaks to My Heart
Claire Berman's book speaks to my heart. As the child of an aging parent, I have come to realize that the difficulties I face as a caregiver are at least as much, if not more, emotional than physical. Her stories, whether directly related to my circumstances or not, address my raw emotions and help ease the pain.

Her personal style of writing is unusually apt for those who are a parent's caregiver. She addresses care for aging parents from the perspective of a person who has made her own mistakes and learned from them. She writes as a friend rather than an impersonal "expert." I recommend this book for anyone who faces this demanding task.

Great info for all types & ages of cargeivers
Claire Berman gives fabulous examples for all types of caregiver situations. The information is a valuable tool in handling a wide range of issues, from a parent's early needs, to full nursing care. The book aids caregivers with making medical and financial decisions for elderly parents and finding help in the community without jeopardizing your loved one's independence. In addition, it encourages the reader to find the right caregiver support group and keep a clear focus on your own family needs/priorities.

Very Helpful
A most helpful book for reminding yourself how much your elderly parents would not want to be a burden to you, if they were still in their right minds. Lots of advice to make caregiving easier, well written, easy to read. Another great book is "Elder Rage" , which solves the nightmare dealing with difficult elders.

a treasure trove of info no matter how old your parents are
Although my mother has some serious health problems, she's still in her fifties, so I hesitated at first to read this book. I thought there was no way it could be relevant to adults whose parents are ill but not elderly. I was wrong. This book was a godsend as my siblings and I scrambled around trying to figure out what we needed to do and how we could do it. I've referred to it again and again, not just for practical help with my mom's needs, but emotional support for myself. What a tremendous resource this book is.

Indispensable assistance for devastating problems
This book is a must for anyone dealing with the monumental problems that can arise as parents get older. Ms. Berman provides important information, reassurance, and support that help caregivers deal sensitively and effectively with issues that had previously been overwhelming their lives. For oneself and as a gift to others, this is a jewel. ... Read more

Book Description

All investigators funded by the National Institutes of Health are now required to receive training about the ethics of clinical research. Based on a course taught by the editors at NIH, Ethical and Regulatory Aspects of Clinical Research is the first book designed to help investigators meet this new requirement. The book begins with the history of human subjects research and guidelines instituted since World War II. It then covers various stages and components of the clinical trial process: designing the trial, recruiting participants, ensuring informed consent, studying special populations, and conducting international research. Concluding chapters address conflicts of interest, scientific misconduct, and challenges to the IRB system. The appendix provides sample informed consent forms.

This book will be used in undergraduate courses on research ethics and in schools of medicine and public health by students who are or will be carrying out clinical research. Professionals in need of such training and bioethicists also will be interested. ... Read more

Book Description

Here is the most comprehensive, reliable, and timely annual reference available to answer common questions in everyday clinical practice. Written in a concise, easy-to-read style, the text covers all aspects of outpatient and inpatient care as well as the latest developments in medicine.

*Includes information on over 1,000 diseases and disorders with an emphasis on prevention and cost-effective treatment
*Facilitates MEDLINE searches - includes more than 3,500 references ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Excellent Medicine Book
This is a "must have" text for any student of medicine. It has all the information one needs for ward rounds, presentations, and exams. Medicine is an ever-evolving field and this book keeps up with all the latest developments. The references are conveniently given at the end of each section so the student can easily look up the most relevant articles. I especially like the "Essentials of Diagnosis" that precedes each disease entity and summarizes the key points. However this book is very much clinical/management-oriented. It does not have pictures/slides nor does it cover pathophysiology (for that, Harrison's is a better book).

Comprehensive and Thorough
Current Medicine is right up there among the top few reference books. It has excellent chapters in Cardiology, Infectious diseases and Respiratory medicine. One of the key features is the references of the latest articles at the end of every topic that is covered. This is book is worth every cent that is spent to buy it, a truly productive investment of time and money....a must buy for students who want to ace their exams.

Current Medical Diagnoses and Treatment 2003
This book packs in all the important aspects of client treatment into each section. The headings are a little hard to see when skimming, but the information is excellent. A must have for Nurse Practitioner school!

The best!
Very concise, covering a large number of conditions with information about clinical features, diagnosis and treatment... just the best medical book for students, residents and general prationers.

The medical bible of current theory
For the practitioner or the patient everything you want to know about Current Diagnosis and therapy is here. ... Read more

Book Description

Designed especially for hospital coders, hospital billers and insurance claim examiners. Includes ICD-9-CM Volumes 1 & 2 diagnosis codes and Volume 3 procedure codes in a single, compact, space-saving, thumb-indexed and color-coded book, with a comprehensive diagnosis coding tutorial and full-color anatomical charts.

-Improve your diagnosis code accuracy with color coding and symbol notation system
-Locate ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes faster with thumb indexing
-Book lays flat on your desk and stays open during use
-Anatomical illustrations help relate diagnosis codes to organ system
-Includes a comprehensive diagnosis coding tutorial
-Save valuable desk space with our compact 6" x 9" book ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Well-thumbed
I qualified 2 years ago as a Marriage and Family Therapist and I know how vital it is for the therapist to have a firm grasp of the ethical and legal issues involved. And this book is a fine guide. Not being sexist or anything, but you just don't know when some flaky female client is going to misunderstand something you say and slap a harrassment suit on you. 9 times out of ten the husbands don't back you up in those sort of circumstances either so you need something like this book to bail you out. Excellent. ... Read more

Book Description

A patient's personal view of long term care.Seen through the eyes of a patient totally paralyzed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, this moving book takes you through the psychological and physical pain of an eleven month hospital stay. BED NUMBER TEN reads like a compelling novel, but is entirely factual.You will meet:The ICU staff who learned to communicate with the paralyzed woman - and those who did not bother.The physicians whose visits left her baffled about her own case.The staff and physicians who spoke to her and others who did not recognize her presence.The nurse who tucked Sue tightly under the covers, unaware that she was soaking with perspiration.The nurse who took the time to feed her drop by drop, as she slowly learned how to swallow again.The physical therapist who could read her eyes and spurred her on to move again as if the battle were his own.In these pages, which reveal the caring, the heroism, and the insensitivity sometimes found in the health care fields, you may even meet people you know. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Bed number Ten
This was one of the best books I have read in a long time. I ordered this book by mail and recieved it on Friday afternoon and started reading it instantly. It is now sunday afternoon and I just finished it. I want so badly to talk to this lady to see how she is today!! To read how uncaring so many people were is so heart breaking to me. There were the few that took the time to be more attentive but everyone should have been that way!! I am a nurse at a Houston hospital and I see nurses and other staff act like that everyday and it breaks my heart because I am a very caring nurse and go above and beyond to help my patients. Every nurse needs to read this book to see how people can be feeling when you treat them that way!! I would recommend this book to everyone I work with and know!!

A real tearjerker!
I am an RN and all too often, patients are faced with uncaring caregivers who perceive meeting patient's needs as "too much trouble". If there is a medical person who perceives Sue as a "whiner", I would not want that person to enter my room! The book is a compelling novel, I could not put it down! It included wonderful stories of her travels and family. I wished the book was longer, I hated for it to end. I cried throughout the last portion of the book because it was so touching. The one thing I think it lacks is getting its point across to caregivers. Some caregivers are too uncaring to fully comprehend the torture Sue went through lying there day after day, unable to move or speak, being at the mercy of others. I put it on my list as one of the best books I have ever read!

I can relate as a "Fellow Comrade"
I read this book after spending five weeks in ICU, followed by four months in a Rehab Center...recuperating from Guillain Barre Syndrome. I can relate to how she had favorite nurses...so did I, and being totally paralyzed it may be hard for others to understand just how much that extra little fluff of the pillow makes after laying for eight hours in the same position. My body was very sensative, and any movement was painful...I can imagine how much more painful it was with her. The things I found hard to understand in the book were the thoughts she had in her day to day activities....oh, I would be driving by the supermarket now, on my way to pick up my best friend Bonnie...these thoughts are just hard for me to believe. I know my thoughts were like "when will these leg spasms quit...when will I walk again...when will the aching in my legs get better...when will I get out of here....how much is this costing....when is my next therapy" these were my thoughts. The book does give a good view of just how devastating GBS can be. For me....It will be 4 years this Christmas since my GBS attack, and I am still not well. From the waist up I am about 95%, and from the waist down I am about 50% which includes leg and feet numbness, muscle spasms/cramps,joint pain, and stiffness. But I feel blessed to have back as much as I do, and I pray that God will give me the strength and courage to continue my recuperation from this catastrophic illness.

Disappointing...
As an RN with an interest in medical-related writing, I started this book thinking I would be reading an inspirational account of a woman overcoming a terrifying illness.

Instead I was treated to a whine-fest of gargantuan proportions.

Yes, Sue was very ill and frightened, but instead of devoting more energy to fighting the _illness_, she seemed to focus almost entirely on separating the staff who cared for her into "good guys" and "bad guys" and presumed to project her personal judgments of insensitivity onto the staff she didn't care for.

As an RN with over ten years' experience, I felt a chilling familarity while reading this author's words. I have known many patients like this who "play favorites" with staff, and who turn against anyone who doesn't devote his/her entire shift to satisfying their every whim.

I wish I had the book right at hand to quote some of its more embarrassing passages, but it basically boils down, paraphrased, to things like,

"Oooh... why doesn't she come sooner when I call?" "Ohhhh, how come he's so rough with me..? Why can't he be like so-and-so [other therapist]?" "Waaaah! If only all these insensitive people knew what it was like to be as sick as I am!"

The perpetual whining destroyed for me any pleasure I could have derived from the knowledge that this lady got well and left the hospital almost fully recovered.

And she is (or was) traveling the country giving speeches to health care workers on how to treat patients? Please, spare me.

A page-turner
This was one I couldn't put down. It really made me think about the environment I work in, and how the residents are treated. I am a certified nursing assistant at a long-term care facility (nursing home). I really enjoy the residents there. If you're in a hurry, and you just want to get the work done, how do you think the patients feel? I try to imagine myself in the position of one of my residents,and it helps me to think more openly. I have also tried to imagine myself in Sue's position, and its difficult. Reading this book has made me a better employee, and a better person. ... Read more

Book Description

This clinically organized, user-friendly, handbook is a guide to the recognition of inherited metabolic disease, and provides direction once diagnosis has been established. It is a well-illustrated text that presents biochemical and metabolic concepts in a clinically relevant context. The volume complements traditional textbooks which are organized biochemically, and serves as an entrance to the discipline, to help general physicians and advanced medical trainees to overcome the intimidation of dealing with metabolic problems. This new edition has been expanded to include substantially more information on mitochondrial diseases, new imaging techniques, and new techniques for screening and diagnosis. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent
Excellent review of strategies for the evaluation of suspected inborn errors of metabolism. Simple and eloquent writing makes this an exceptional introduction to the topic for students, residents and fellows. Organized by organ system and symptom complex, it makes for easy referencing to generate a differential diagnosis as well. Would highly recommend for genetics, neurology and pediatrics training programs. It will be instituted into our required reading for rotating residents in our Child Neurology department. The price is very reasonable and well within the means of trainees. ... Read more

Book Description

This clear, readable reference explores the full range of contemporary issues in health care ethics from a practical philosophical perspective. Ethical principles are applied directly to cases, and many examples are used to illustrate issues.Avoids medical and philosophical jargon. Offers up-to-date material on today's critical issues like genetic screening and therapy, testing and screening, and biomedical research. Covers institutional ethics and professional standards. Presents alternative views to show readers the diversity of the field.An excellent reference for nurses, doctors, or anyone involved in heath care fields. ... Read more

Book Description

Putting Patients First is a complete guide to patient-centered care — the highly successful philosophy that has been championed and refined by the renowned Planetree Institute. This important volume explains the origins and uses of patient-centered care and provides a practical approach to implementing it in any health care organization. Step by step, the book clearly outlines the elements of the highly successful Planetree patient-centered care model and includes the validating research.
This much-needed resource shows how to apply these methods to the larger issues of health care delivery such as managed care, workforce shortages, patients; "right to know" legislation, and hospital marketing and branding efforts. Putting Patients First is filled with illustrative case examples drawn from hospitals and health care organizations that have successfully implemented the Planetree model.

... Read more

Book Description

This new resource presents today's most complete guidance on performing, interpreting, and reporting post-mortem examinations. The first section is a manual covering specific autopsy procedures, biosafety, generation of autopsy reports, preparation of death certificates, and other essential subjects. The second section is an atlas, organized by organ system that captures the appearance of the complete spectrum of autopsy findings. ... Read more