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A review by shelleyrae
Between Expectations: Lessons from a Pediatric Residency by Meghan MacLean Weir
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.