White coat, black habit. Acknowledgments -- Note -- What cannot be undone -- Donna, who died twice -- The necessary monster -- Nurse Clappy gets his -- Cognitive sparing -- This will sting and burn -- The box at the bedside -- White cloth ribbons -- The kiss of salt -- White coat, black habit.
Summary:
"Dr. Walter M. Robinson does not see himself as some version of the all-knowing, all-capable--and wholly fictional--physicians seen on TV. He struggles with his limitations and imperfections, agonizes over whether he is doing the right thing for his patients, and examines his motives and attitudes with rigor and honesty. In his award-winning debut essay collection, What Cannot be Undone, Robinson shares suprising stories of illness and medicine that do not sacrifice hard truth for easy dramatics. These true stories are filled with details of difficult days and nights in the world of high-tech medical care, and they show the ongoing sturggle in making critical decisions with no good answer. This collection presents the raw moments where his expertise in medical ethics and pediatrics are put to the test while caring for children and young adults with life-limiting illnesses. He is neither saint, nor hero, nor wizard. Robinson admits that on his best days he was merely ordinary. Yet in writing down the authentic stories of his patients, Robinson discovers what led him to the practice of medicine--and how his idealism was no match for the realities he faced in modern health care"---Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.