Better 1st (first) edition

An insight into the formula for the successful practice of medicine on an individual as well as systemic perspective, a formula which seemingly ever eludes our grasp. I would like to attend Dr Gawande's ward rounds to learn more about the smaller seemingly insignificant measures that can be taken everyday to improve in the quality of care of patients. This book will be enjoyed by those interested in health policy making, community health care and members from other professions seeking an external perspective on how service delivery and outcomes based targeted policy making by individuals operating within the confines of their particular systems can be achieved through individual flare, intelligence and ingenuity.

"Better" is a series of essays on subjects related to the delivery of health care. The unifying theme is how things can be improved beyond technological advances if medical personal tried harder to do their jobs better. The author demonstrates how simple improvements - like hand washing and talking to patients - can provide startling results. I loved this book and recommended it to others because I think it speaks to principals that could make any field of endeavor "better." Too often we look to the latest management flavor of the day or technology to solve our problems when we should be returning to the basics.

I highly recommend Gwande's books to anyone interested in medicine or medical issues. He writes clearly, concisely; and most importantly, he is honest to the bone about both the accomplishments and limitations of medicine. This is a doctor educating us, the public, about the often hidden and esoteric areas of the world of medicine.

Atul Gawande is a fantastic writer and this book is no exception. This is a quick read that sheds a bit of light on to the ways the field of medicine has progressed. I really enjoyed Complications more, but I recommend this book as well.

I thought the way he compares medicine to a machine was very interesting. Keep counting and working forward to making this machine better. Its a very good read teaches you about certain illness and gives the history of them.

I was given the Being Mortal book by Atul Gawande by a neighbor 3 years ago. Had it on my shelf for a few months and then read it.
This gentleman really writes great books.
And though it might seem medical specific topic - since he is a surgeon - all of his books cover a whole life experience.
I have now bought all of his books and have not yet been disappointed in one.
Many I have passed on as gifts............ like my neighbor did for me.

Gawande is a witty, practical, intelligent, and interesting writer who can relate and sympathize well with a wide range of people. On top of this, he is an innovator (see the recent article on [..] that describes his new protocols being applied in hospitals and drastically eliminating serious errors). I'm sure many professional writers wish they had half his talent. I think his first book Complications was better because it had more interesting stories and I was captivated about his admittance and depiction of MDs as fallible humans. With that said, Better is still a five-star read. My favorite part and the most valuable take away from this book is his last chapter, "For Performance" with five suggestions that everyone can use to better themselves, and as as result, better the world around them.

Loved reading it. His observations and thoughts are surprisingly transferable to my very non-medical career and life in general. He was recommended to me by one of my friends. She dubbed him as 'the best writer she knows of' and yes I agree. His writing is extremely simple and well-organized but full of depth. Would recommend it to anyone.

Great books for a healthcare worker looking to make even the smallest difference in their daily practice.
Takes common daily principles and reapplied them to a complex, high stakes environment.
Worthwhile read.

"Better" is a wonderfully written collection of descriptions of people who have been committed to asking a question, implmenting a change, and truly helping many many people. The stories are focused on improvements of health care, which I enjoyed, but are useful for people thinking about and eager to improve any industry or situation.

"Better" is easy to read and I learned from reading this book. This is a great book to pass to your children and colleagues.
RCGoldszer

Really good if you are going into medicine are already in medicine. This has been a great window into this surgeon's life and definitely lets you know through examples if you are cut out to be a doctor!

Better is a very good window on medical practice. There are a lot of books on this subject - and not many have the same cutting edge as this one. All the chapters are good, but the one about the bell curve is outstanding: why some places are much better than others when all should be about the same, using the same medical information that is avaiable for all.

As an orthopedic surgeon in practice for the past 30 years, I find that dr. Gawande puts into very beautiful and elegant prose, the ideas I have held about practicing surgery and improving medical care. His is a genuinely world view, and not simply the narrow, parochial view of a surgeon practicing in his specific set of circumstances. My practice is in a developing country. Dr. Gawande does not condemn the fact that many times, we have to "make do", and find ways to get things done successfully without the required prerequisites present in a first world country like the United States. I recommend this book to all doctors looking for meaning behind the daily stresses and grind of medical practice.

well written, charming, and joyful great read!!
i totally recommend this book to young doctors who are seeking success in medicine as a reminder that at the end of the the patient is what matters!!

As a teacher of Contemporary World Problems at a large western high school, my admiration for this book and its author are colored by the need for solutions in a world teeming with problems. The organization of the essays allows the reader to choose topics of interest without reading the entire book, but that would be a mistake. This hopeful and optimistic collection should be required reading for all who wish to make a difference in their own lives as well as in the world.