"How Doctors Think"- a good book

I recently finished reading this book after a really interesting discussion with some friends-of-friends who happened to work in publishing and in clinical psychology.

It was quite the best seller when it was first published in 2007, and was discussed as a book written by a doctor to a target audience of laypersons with the intent of helping to understand how their doctors may think, and thereby how to get the most out of their appointments.

Certainly it is that, but is worthwhile for anyone to read and particularly for doctors.

Dr. Groopman is systematically examining the way in which doctors are trained and practice. He is also looking at how some specific specialties (such as primary care, surgery and radiology) may be prone to certain types of predictable errors due to their training or practice settings.

The book is not an indictment of medical error, but rather a study in technical and human limitation with suggestions for recognizing and remedying such problems.

It is therefore a fascinating book for the patient and family, but should offer reflection and self-inspection for any doctor.