Myocardial Medley: Medical Anecdotes and Humour

Abstract

This is a pocket-sized book in softcover convenient for a jacket pocket. One could look forward to reading one of the short essays in between appointments or while waiting in the cafeteria. The book is self-categorized as Medical Anecdotes and Humour. I am a cardiologist with what I fancy to be a sense of humor, and I expected this little book to be just my cup of tea, but it was not quite what I expected. Although the book has six sections with titles such as Tools of the Trade, Cardiac Arrest, and Hypertension, there are really only two kinds of anecdotes included: essays on memorable patients and others on the practice of medicine. Those about patients tend to poke gentle fun at their obesity, overuse of salt, and such. Those about medical practice involve wistful reflections, eg, on student and house staff use of medical jargon. They display skepticism