The Office for Institutional Equity, The College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Department of Residence Life are pleased to announce the upcoming lecture and reading by Atul Gawande from his recently published book, "Complications, A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science." Gawande is the son of long-time Athens residents and physicians, Atmaram and Sushlia Gawande, and a graduate of Athens High School. He is a Harvard Medical School resident in surgery and essayist for The New Yorker. In his writing, Gawande unveils the practice of medicine, and gives the reader insight into the thinking of the physician and the machinations of medicine. Unique to the writing of medicine is Gawande's inclusion of the patient's experience of the medical treatment.
Bringing his wealth of past experience as a research fellow at the Harvard School of Public Health, a policy adviser to President Bill Clinton and a Rhodes Scholar in economics, politics and philosophy, Gawande exemplifies the value of education to developing an inquiring mind. His essays reflect his disciplined scientific approach to research and the creativity that can be found in nonfiction writing. He bridges the gap between science writing and literature, thus appealing to a broad audience. His quest for answers illustrates his wide range of interests, including ethical questions as they relate to the practical application of medicine.
Gawande is appealing because he reveals the human side of the complicated relationship between patient and doctor. He sheds light on the frailties of both, thus exposing the complex and sometimes baffling human dimension of medicine.
The program will be held in Irvine Auditorium, May 10 at 3 p.m. A reception and book signing will immediately follow in the Irvine lobby. Little Professor Book Center will have books available for purchase.
