liralen's review against another edition
4.0
I do like a doctor-memoir, and it's intriguing to me that Between Expectations is so different from [b:The Book of Essie|34503571|The Book of Essie|Meghan MacLean Weir|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1515874042l/34503571._SX50_.jpg|55628862]. It doesn't sound like Weir particularly enjoyed residency (quite possibly true of most doctors!), but I do wonder just how different it felt to be practicing medicine when past residency and on a more sustainable schedule.
I've put this on my 'Africa' shelf because Weir spent a brief amount of time in Liberia, but I question that section's placement in the bookâputting it all the way at the end lends it more weight than strictly necessary (it's not the point of the book), though in a lot of ways it does seem to sum up Weir's feelings about doctoring: throwing starfish into the sea, only to realise that this particular sea doesn't even have the right salt for half the starfish she manages to throw, and she as an individual will never be able to source the right salt. (I could probably find a better analogy here, but...) So many of the stories she highlights (both in Liberia and in Boston) seem to have unhappy endings, and I'm not sure if that's because that was the balance of the work she was doing at the time (a higher proportion of unhappy endings seems likely when you're working with, e.g., micro-preemies than when you're working with full-term labour!) and how much those are just the stories that stuck with her.
I've put this on my 'Africa' shelf because Weir spent a brief amount of time in Liberia, but I question that section's placement in the bookâputting it all the way at the end lends it more weight than strictly necessary (it's not the point of the book), though in a lot of ways it does seem to sum up Weir's feelings about doctoring: throwing starfish into the sea, only to realise that this particular sea doesn't even have the right salt for half the starfish she manages to throw, and she as an individual will never be able to source the right salt. (I could probably find a better analogy here, but...) So many of the stories she highlights (both in Liberia and in Boston) seem to have unhappy endings, and I'm not sure if that's because that was the balance of the work she was doing at the time (a higher proportion of unhappy endings seems likely when you're working with, e.g., micro-preemies than when you're working with full-term labour!) and how much those are just the stories that stuck with her.
in2reading's review against another edition
3.0
Another thoughtful book from inside the health care system - this one written about a doctor's 3 years of pediatric residency at 2 hospitals in Boston as well as a month in Liberia. It brought up lots of issues including the increasing ability of technology to preserve the lives of very premature babies. The author's stories are poignant and thought provoking.
shelleyrae's review against another edition
4.0
I am strangely fascinated by these type of books by medical professionals (and almost as equally addicted to shows like ER, House and Private Practice). Between Expectations is Meghan Weir's story of her residency in Paediatrics, her struggle with the losses and triumphs as she cares for sick newborns and dying children.
Modern medicine is a miracle but still there is so much that cannot be answered or treated, where death or survival defies explanation. I think that in the Paedatrics ward that endless struggle between despair and hope must be amplified. Meghan shares the stories of some of her patients and their families. These tales are heartbreaking if you imagine a tunour wrapping around your childs heart, or the joy of a remission from cancer only for an unrelated infection to steal their mind. In those cases Meghan's shares of recovery the outcomes are usually ambiguous, the victories are small and quiet.
I think perhaps the book lacks some warmth, Meghan's tone tends to be more clinical than compassionate. I wonder how the birth of her own child will affect the relationships she builds with parents and her patients. I imagine that from Meghan's perspective tragedy is far more common that joy but I, particularly as a parent reading the book, would like at least one story of unbridled triumph, a miracle of sorts. Unrealistic perhaps, but I want to believe the possibility exists.
The training for residents is punishing and the ridiculous demands made on medical trainees in this day and age is clearly illustrated. I can see no reason for requiring 30 hour shifts in a field where a moment of inattention due to fatigue could kill someone. I cannot understand, nor condone, any justification for those conditions. Meghan's story emphasises the disconnect that results from such a consuming schedule, from patients, partners and family and even herself.
Between Expectations is an intriguing memoir, it has none of the glamour of Grey's Anatomy, but is a very personal and raw exploration of the personal and professional commitment required to become a doctor. While it lacks a spirit of optimism, it is reassuring in its way, that should you find yourself in a paedeatrics ward with your child, that everyone will be doing all they can.
Modern medicine is a miracle but still there is so much that cannot be answered or treated, where death or survival defies explanation. I think that in the Paedatrics ward that endless struggle between despair and hope must be amplified. Meghan shares the stories of some of her patients and their families. These tales are heartbreaking if you imagine a tunour wrapping around your childs heart, or the joy of a remission from cancer only for an unrelated infection to steal their mind. In those cases Meghan's shares of recovery the outcomes are usually ambiguous, the victories are small and quiet.
I think perhaps the book lacks some warmth, Meghan's tone tends to be more clinical than compassionate. I wonder how the birth of her own child will affect the relationships she builds with parents and her patients. I imagine that from Meghan's perspective tragedy is far more common that joy but I, particularly as a parent reading the book, would like at least one story of unbridled triumph, a miracle of sorts. Unrealistic perhaps, but I want to believe the possibility exists.
The training for residents is punishing and the ridiculous demands made on medical trainees in this day and age is clearly illustrated. I can see no reason for requiring 30 hour shifts in a field where a moment of inattention due to fatigue could kill someone. I cannot understand, nor condone, any justification for those conditions. Meghan's story emphasises the disconnect that results from such a consuming schedule, from patients, partners and family and even herself.
Between Expectations is an intriguing memoir, it has none of the glamour of Grey's Anatomy, but is a very personal and raw exploration of the personal and professional commitment required to become a doctor. While it lacks a spirit of optimism, it is reassuring in its way, that should you find yourself in a paedeatrics ward with your child, that everyone will be doing all they can.
suequeblue's review against another edition
3.0
I have mixed feelings about the book. I love medical memoirs/autobiographies, and a personal connection to books about babies born premature. This book ticks those two boxes.
However, as others remarked, the author is at times very clinical, and I didn't really feel the emotional attachment while reading about her patients. Yet chapters later, she would reference those very same patients, and would bring up how important a certain patient was to her. I would find myself asking "which one is that?"
I'm sure that as a doctor or anyone who cares for people, especially babies, you do need to separate emotionally from them, so you can be able to do your job. I guess I just feel like the emotions are as important as the medical details when you write a memoir.
However, as others remarked, the author is at times very clinical, and I didn't really feel the emotional attachment while reading about her patients. Yet chapters later, she would reference those very same patients, and would bring up how important a certain patient was to her. I would find myself asking "which one is that?"
I'm sure that as a doctor or anyone who cares for people, especially babies, you do need to separate emotionally from them, so you can be able to do your job. I guess I just feel like the emotions are as important as the medical details when you write a memoir.
abbyboo's review against another edition
5.0
I am a paramedic....not nearly as knowledgeable as a physician but I know enough to be dangerous. Becoming a doctor was my dream when I was younger, I was so set on it that any other outcome was utter failure. I adore being a medic, with someone giving a differential diagnosis on gut instinct and talking. I am not always right, and sometimes I can't do anything to make the situation better but ask my partner to drive faster.
This book was beyond profound. Death is the end to all of our stories. The wonder that is the human body leaves me in awe daily. Yet most people don't think about the large amount of children each day that are dying because their body wasn't made right. Their bodies are compatible with life. These stories will stay with me forever. My least favorite part of my job is to prolong someone's life who is in pain and no longer living the life they want. I can't imagine how horrible that is to witness in children. Death really isn't the worst thing that can happen to us, too much love and ill fated interventions are. I don't want to bring someone in this world for them to only experience suffering. I don't want to define someone else's life either but what I consider suffering. As humans we are all in life together. We are our own salvation and our own curse.
I am envious of all the doctors out there but I have one thing up on them....I get to go into someone's house and make them feel safe before leaving that house to go to the hospital. I am a part of that moment where a little relief sets in when they know that they are no longer alone in their emergency. Even if I can't do anything but drive them there, I get to be a part of their lives in some of the scariest moments. Healthcare is amazing but it should be more person care focused. If you're not happy, getting your liver fixed isn't going to suddenly make you happy.
I am grateful for the Healthcare access that we have in the US. The author traveling to Liberia was eye opening and gut wrenching. Everyone should lose sleep over innocent children dying merely because they were born in a poor country. It is a tragedy beyond words.
This book was beyond profound. Death is the end to all of our stories. The wonder that is the human body leaves me in awe daily. Yet most people don't think about the large amount of children each day that are dying because their body wasn't made right. Their bodies are compatible with life. These stories will stay with me forever. My least favorite part of my job is to prolong someone's life who is in pain and no longer living the life they want. I can't imagine how horrible that is to witness in children. Death really isn't the worst thing that can happen to us, too much love and ill fated interventions are. I don't want to bring someone in this world for them to only experience suffering. I don't want to define someone else's life either but what I consider suffering. As humans we are all in life together. We are our own salvation and our own curse.
I am envious of all the doctors out there but I have one thing up on them....I get to go into someone's house and make them feel safe before leaving that house to go to the hospital. I am a part of that moment where a little relief sets in when they know that they are no longer alone in their emergency. Even if I can't do anything but drive them there, I get to be a part of their lives in some of the scariest moments. Healthcare is amazing but it should be more person care focused. If you're not happy, getting your liver fixed isn't going to suddenly make you happy.
I am grateful for the Healthcare access that we have in the US. The author traveling to Liberia was eye opening and gut wrenching. Everyone should lose sleep over innocent children dying merely because they were born in a poor country. It is a tragedy beyond words.
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