Hot Lights, Cold Steel, Michael J. Collins, MD
Hot Lights, Cold Steel, Michael J. Collins, MD
List: $17.99 | Sale: $12.59
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Hot Lights, Cold Steel
Life, Death and Sleepless Nights in a Surgeon’s First Years

Author: Michael J. Collins, MD

Narrator: John Pruden

Unabridged: 9 hr 21 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 02/14/2017


Synopsis

When Michael Collins decides to become a surgeon, he is totally unprepared for the chaotic life of a resident at a major hospital. A natural overachiever, Collins's success, in college and medical school led to a surgical residency at one of the most respected medical centers in the world, the famed Mayo Clinic. But compared to his fellow residents Collins feels inadequate and unprepared. All too soon, the euphoria of beginning his career as an orthopedic resident gives way to the feeling he is a counterfeit, an imposter who has infiltrated a society of brilliant surgeons.

This story of Collins's four-year surgical residency traces his rise from an eager but clueless first-year resident to accomplished Chief Resident in his final year. With unparalleled humor, he recounts the disparity between people's perceptions of a doctor's glamorous life and the real thing: a succession of run down cars that are towed to the junk yard, long weekends moonlighting at rural hospitals, a family that grows larger every year, and a laughable income.

About Michael J. Collins, MD

Michael J. Collins, MD, served as the chief resident in orthopedic surgery at the Mayo Clinic and is now a successful orthopedic surgeon. He is the author of Hot Lights, Cold Steel and Blue Collar, Blue Scrubs. He lives in Hinsdale, Illinois.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Imran on September 26, 2009

This was one of my favorite “doctor” books. Dr. Collins is an amazing author who brings truth and humor to his life as a resident. In stark contrast to “Intern Blues”, Dr. Collins isn’t caught whining; rather, he understands his job is tough, the hours long, and the decisions difficult with a sense......more

Goodreads review by Alina on May 14, 2008

"I was a counterfeit, an impostor who had infiltrated this society of brilliant surgeons. [...] I would have thrown myself on the floor and asked them to shoot me and put me out of my misery." When I read these lines, I knew that this book was the real thing. There's something in Collins' self-depre......more

Goodreads review by Kimberly on January 04, 2017

Fantastic account of a surgeons years in Residency. Learning the ins and outs, trying not to make mistakes, learning to accept them and move on if he does. This book was hilarious at times, the author is very funny. I even learned a thing or two about medical jargon. Highly Recommended!......more

Goodreads review by Mari on June 17, 2008

Dr. Collins is kind of like the Augusten Bourroughs/David Sedaris of medical writing. Some of the stories are funny (the patient with a dildo stuck up his butt), others are heartbreaking (an 18 year old girl with cancer of the ilium). The book is the first medical writing I've read that is more than......more

Goodreads review by Sara Pettey on May 01, 2020

What could have been a good story was ruined by Dr. Collins wildly obvious sexism throughout the entire book. The conversations him and his friends have about and with women are truly degrading and offensive. He complains of making so little money and having so little time as a resident but bears a......more