When the Air Hits Your Brain: Tales from Neurosurgery Book

Audiobook: memoir of a brain surgeon. Purchased as a 'daily special' ways back. I would have paid twice as much!!!!

FASCINATING....GRAPHIC.....SCARY....SAD.....MOVING....THRILLING....INFORMATIVE....COMPASSIONATE.....HARD TO PUT DOWN!!!
We also are privy to the authors feelings, and moral concerns. The narrator's voice, Kirby Heyborne, felt so genuine. He was easy to be with -not an ounce of ego in his voice -- which allowed me to experience the greatness of Frank T. Vertosick Jr.

This story begins when Vertosick is a 3rd year medical resident. He didn't have this 'life-desire-or-goal' to become a brain surgeon. ---yet the tale of how that leap happens is interesting in itself.

The way we learn about this field of medicine- raw details- blending with superb storytelling--is what made listening to this audiobook so good. We begin to get an 'honest-to-goodness' overview into the culture of neurosurgery.

One woman was pregnant and had a brain tumor. -- It was gut wrenching story. A couple 'do' make your eyes water. Many of the patient cases were riveting. A couple of the 'inside' chats between doctors were frightening.

I learned about radio surgery--spine surgery- ( which are are growing in this country) - more specifics within the operating rooms - functional Nero surgery- electrical stimulating devices- recent advances - and new advances of surgery for Parkinson's disease.

NOTE: KGO - SF Bay Area radio host - Ron Owens - had brain surgery for Parkisons disease. They put an electrical stimulator inside his brain to help control symptoms such as shaking - and slowing down the progression of the disease itself. He shared with his viewers on the radio - before - during - and after his brain surgery. Great success story.

I WASN'T expecting the ending to this book. -- [the epilogue] -- oh my god....It was soooooo sad!!!!!