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Open Heart: A Cardiac Surgeon's Stories of Life and Death on the Operating Table by Stephen Westaby
bookslifeandeverythingnice's review against another edition
4.0
I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. As always, an honest review.
Stephen Westaby is a very talented cardiac surgeon who is clearly passionate about his career field. The beginning of the book had a bit of a strange vibe that I couldn't quite figure out. He seemed almost arrogant but also not, at the same time. As I kept reading I realized he was blunt, intelligent, innovative, frustrated with aspects of the healthcare system, and caring. For me liking the author and the vibe of the book is important. His innovations in cardiac surgery over time are incredibly impressive, especially his use of artificial heart technology. I enjoyed learning more about cardiac surgery through each of his fascinating patient cases. Also his post operative maintenance is phenomenal and constantly evolving. Overall, Open Heart by Stephen Westaby was an interesting and impressive read despite my apprehension at the beginning.
Stephen Westaby is a very talented cardiac surgeon who is clearly passionate about his career field. The beginning of the book had a bit of a strange vibe that I couldn't quite figure out. He seemed almost arrogant but also not, at the same time. As I kept reading I realized he was blunt, intelligent, innovative, frustrated with aspects of the healthcare system, and caring. For me liking the author and the vibe of the book is important. His innovations in cardiac surgery over time are incredibly impressive, especially his use of artificial heart technology. I enjoyed learning more about cardiac surgery through each of his fascinating patient cases. Also his post operative maintenance is phenomenal and constantly evolving. Overall, Open Heart by Stephen Westaby was an interesting and impressive read despite my apprehension at the beginning.
bri_noyes1's review against another edition
5.0
5 ⭐️
This was one of the most amazing and impactful books I’ve ever read. Dr. Westaby’s career as a Cardiac Surgeon began as the research and technology in this field began exploding and he was, to a great extent, a major player in this. I was grateful for his commentary about a doctors delicate balance in becoming too emotionally invested in their patients. I also appreciated his commentary on the obstacles doctors now face in the growing bureaucracy that is now the medical field- that this mentality limits future doctors from become similarly great pioneers as the first cardiac surgeons.
Our son was born with a condition which required him to be on ECMO-a form of cardiac and pulmonary life support. I’m so grateful for the research and the fortitude of so many of these surgeons that allowed us to have the technology we needed to save our son.
Also- the Audiobook is amazing and is under the name “Open Heart” by the same Author.
This was one of the most amazing and impactful books I’ve ever read. Dr. Westaby’s career as a Cardiac Surgeon began as the research and technology in this field began exploding and he was, to a great extent, a major player in this. I was grateful for his commentary about a doctors delicate balance in becoming too emotionally invested in their patients. I also appreciated his commentary on the obstacles doctors now face in the growing bureaucracy that is now the medical field- that this mentality limits future doctors from become similarly great pioneers as the first cardiac surgeons.
Our son was born with a condition which required him to be on ECMO-a form of cardiac and pulmonary life support. I’m so grateful for the research and the fortitude of so many of these surgeons that allowed us to have the technology we needed to save our son.
Also- the Audiobook is amazing and is under the name “Open Heart” by the same Author.
marilynmalloy's review against another edition
5.0
Borrowed this one from the local library.
Quite quite enjoyable.
I enjoy reading about advancements in medicine - and medicine in general. While the author does come off as a bit boastful at times - the successes are his, but the failures are someone else's fault in many cases - it gives a great view into open heart surgery, and what goes on - as well as funding limitations.
Highly recommended for anyone in the medical field - or that just have an interest.
Quite quite enjoyable.
I enjoy reading about advancements in medicine - and medicine in general. While the author does come off as a bit boastful at times - the successes are his, but the failures are someone else's fault in many cases - it gives a great view into open heart surgery, and what goes on - as well as funding limitations.
Highly recommended for anyone in the medical field - or that just have an interest.
vitaa's review
the blatant misogyny & inflated ego killed the narrative- even the surgical descriptions couldn't save it.
bookmark3brodi's review against another edition
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.0
An eye-opening book that allows the reader to grasp a perspective that is realistically depicted naturally. The narration of encounters about both operations and patients makes you think twice about the job of a surgeon; as Westaby states many times being objective is a necessity in his line of work - it is a rarity among today’s society.
lovelyoutliers's review
3.0
Westaby might be a brilliant surgeon, but I can't say that he is a writer of equal merit. There were many sections that seemed overly technical and clunky.
I enjoyed this book, but not as much as other medical-based memoirs. I am fascinated by medicine, but I did find Westaby's narration style served to confirm some preconceptions about the inflated ego that seems essential to success in cardiac surgery - from his wild west-esque days as a young surgeon training in London to his continued flouting of the rules as his career progressed. He doesn't mince words when it comes to the NHS and what he thinks of the system, but it is definitely not the most balanced perspectives on a much bigger system, so I would caution others to recognize the perpsective Westaby comes from when writing about how the system is broken.
In short, this book is fine.
I enjoyed this book, but not as much as other medical-based memoirs. I am fascinated by medicine, but I did find Westaby's narration style served to confirm some preconceptions about the inflated ego that seems essential to success in cardiac surgery - from his wild west-esque days as a young surgeon training in London to his continued flouting of the rules as his career progressed. He doesn't mince words when it comes to the NHS and what he thinks of the system, but it is definitely not the most balanced perspectives on a much bigger system, so I would caution others to recognize the perpsective Westaby comes from when writing about how the system is broken.
In short, this book is fine.