First Do No Harm: Reflections on Becoming a Neurosurgeon

...as both a writer and a neurosurgeon. First of all let me say that this book is a thumping good read; one of those rare writings that grab you and takes you on that cerebro-emotional rollercoaster ride that is usually characteristic of non-fiction thrillers. A quarter of the way in you forget this book in true personal account of a neurosurgeon and as the narrative enters bestseller territory, the writers jars you back to reality with brilliant segues between

Having a keen interest in medical subjects, I bought this book at a discount book store to read. From almost the first page, I was entranced. I have since read this book at least four times (probably more). This book is the journey of a man with a total love of the practice of medicine. He tells of the grueling hours spent as an intern and as a resident, not so you will feel sorry for him, but rather to point out how medicine was his first love, many times to the detriment of the other things in his life.Some of the stories he recounts are absolutely hillarious, others heartwrenching. The best recommendation I can give is that I have loaned it to several people and they each have given it highest acclaim. Dr. Rainer puts a tremendous amount of himself in this book, telling not only of his experiences in medicine, but also painting what is obviously a self-poitrait, warts and all.I have spoken to Dr. Rainer in order to get my copy autographed, and he is now a malpractice attorney. If you read the book you'll understand why I mention this. Read this, you will not regret it.

I first read an abridged version of "First Do No Harm" in a copy of Reader's Digest when I was around 10 or 12 years old. After that, I sought out and found this book in my local library. Dr. Ranier's writing is honest and straightforward...He doesn't glamourize or sugar-coat medicine or the sacrifices one makes on the path to becoming an M.D. He also reflects fondly on certain life-changing encounters with patients that I myself remember and think about. Dr. Ranier practices about 40 miles from me and I'd love to meet him and thank him for this book which has not only been an important part of my library for many years now, but also turned me toward the medical profession. Outstanding!

First Do No Harm is one of the best books I've read in a long time. It is compassionate, yet candid...exposing the best and worst of medicine. One of the few books I've read that changed my perspective on life. Highly recommended.

This book is one of, if not the best book I have ever read. It is a fascinating account of life as a student as well as a surgeon. Brutally honest and not always "happily ever after" - this is one that you simply cannot put down. Especially interesting for the science/medical minded.