Confessions of a Surgeon

The Good, the Bad, and the Complicated...Life Behind the O.R. Doors

By: Paul A. Ruggieri MD

Narrated by: Eric Martin

As an active surgeon and former department chairman, Dr. Paul A. Ruggieri has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of his profession. In Confessions of a Surgeon, he pushes open the doors of the OR and reveals the inscrutable place where lives are improved, saved, and sometimes lost. He shares the successes, failures, remarkable advances, and camaraderie that make it exciting. He uncovers the truth about the abusive, exhaustive training and the arduous devotion of his old-school education. He explores the 24-hour challenges that come from patients and their loved ones; the ethics of saving the lives of repugnant criminals; the hot-button issues of health care, lawsuits, and reimbursements; and the true cost of running a private practice. And he explains the influence of the "white coat code of silence" and why patients may never know what really transpires during surgery. Ultimately, Dr. Ruggieri lays bare an occupation that to most is as mysterious and unfamiliar as it is misunderstood. His account is passionate, illuminating, and often shocking - an eye-opening, never-before-seen look at real life, and death, in the OR.

©2012 Dr. Paul Ruggieri (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"An honest and open look into the surgical profession." ( Library Journal)

Technical, facts, and truths

I thought the story would involve more intimacy and dialog. It was just a narrative.

great read!

this book provides great insight to the mind of a surgeon. from medical school to an established practice.

Awesome peek behind curtain

I am fascinated by doctor’s world and US healthcare system - this book was a wonderful binge - listening on Audible was very easy - great narration

Interesting story

An interesting insight into the world of surgery - both the good and bad. Recommended listen

Different view- well done, for what it is

The first thought that this was a book for me was when the medical student faced his first pelvic exam, on a live patient, a model trained for the purpose. The verbal interchange left me wanting more, and interested in seeing what happened next.
The second was the man with a bottle of Old Spice cologne stuck up his rear....... oh, the stories!!
As a person with a forty-year career in a Medical field ( just recently retired), I am an easy touch for a Medical yarn, with a few of my own to contribute.
I highly recommend this story, but be warned that there are both gore, nasty smells, and large helpings of philosophy and American law and jurisprudence.
A WONDERFUL READ!!