Good reading

Heroes of a Moment: The History of Body Cavity Surgery

John Hall

Heroes of a Moment details the most productive period in the history of surgery. Anaesthesia and antisepsis made it possible to explore the contents of the abdomen, chest and skull. However, even in the early part of the 20th century, these main cavities of the body were only invaded by the most adventurous surgeons.

Once the mechanics of operating had advanced, science and technology became the drivers for change. These changes were reflected in the equipment used by surgeons, the architecture of hospitals, and the nature of being a surgeon. The expansion in manufacturing that occurred after World War II fuelled a new era of open body cavity surgery.

Another big advance occurred in the 1990s when the rapid uptake of laparoscopic cholecystectomy generated the ‘escape velocity’ needed to progress minimal access surgery. At the end of the 19th century, surgeons used cutlery; by the 21st century, they were looking at digital images and flirting with robots.

So You Want To Be a Doctor?

Kerry J Breen

This book is an Australian first. It is designed to help young people who are thinking about applying to study medicine and become doctors to become as fully informed as possible in regard to what is required to be successful in their application, and more importantly what is really involved in a career in medicine.

The book describes the attributes that the Australian community desires in its doctors, the prerequisites for entry into medical school, the nature of the educational programs offered by Australia’s nineteen medical schools and the expectations placed upon medical students. It includes advice about study methods, financial support and balancing study with part-time work and a social life.