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)

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!!

Fascinating

I enjoyed this book. I am a health professional myself, and seem always drawn to insider stories. This is a good one, though not terribly unusual.

Good Book

My mind drifts when I'm listening to a book that doesn't interest me. That didn't happen with this audio book. He sounds very truthful about his experiences as a doctor, and I really appreciate that.

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

Technical, facts, and truths

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

Tapers off to a whiny, entitled ending.

Great story, but ends in death, lawsuits and negativity. Not a good motivational book for future surgeons.

What is the white code of silence?

Ruggieri escorts us down a cold sterile hall to the O.R. as he enters hearing cracking ribs of a blonde boy undergoing CPR greet him as he exclaims “what the hell happened?” How forgoing relationships, romance or fun is common (surgery is a way of life).

Surgery is an exclusive club and the fuel is coffee and fear. Surgeons are the closest things to gods and showing weakness is not an option unless you desire to be devoured. I watched the actions mainly and admired these stone sentinels of self-reliance---who had to be in control of all outcomes.

Ruggieri’s description is symphonic and I find something ambrosial in his ovary exam description being like “a bowl of warm jelly.” The white code of silence is substantive and illustrates why we may desire to consult “pro publica” pre-surgery. Brilliant surgical prose within. Buy it!

The realism.

The whole book was eye opening. I understand my father and the need for perfection in his children. I am a nurse, the book shed light upon many situations.