Wednesday, August 5, 2009

No, Not THAT Bible

We all have a book that is our "Bible". After an insane day like yesterday, I go home and read mine (and no, I don't read it in the john).

So what is Dr. Grumpy's bible? Some neurological work by Charcot? A medicine tome by Osler? Nope.

My staff has learned that when I refer to "The Bible" I mean a small book (I've given them all copies) called "Kill as Few Patients as Possible" by Oscar London, M.D. It's a remarkable collection of 57 essays on "how to be the world's greatest doctor". It's a scream. I first read it in 1992 in medical school, and it's since been kept at arm's reach. Any aspiring physician (or anyone who needs a good laugh) should get it.

(Disclosure- I do not know who Dr. London is, I am not selling copies of this, and I have no financial interest in any booksellers whatsoever).

So, Dr. London, if you are reading this, I just want you to know that I think you are awesome. And I continue to try to practice by your rules.
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13 comments:

  1. AnonymousAugust 5, 2009 at 9:13 AM

    Kill As Few Patients As Possible is available used at amazon.com in paperback for as little as a penny...

    I've ordered mine. Thanks for the heads up.

    >:)

    D

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  2. pharmacy chickAugust 5, 2009 at 9:46 AM

    Sounds like I need to go shopping!

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  3. Grumpy, M.D.August 5, 2009 at 9:49 AM

    For my pharmacy friends, one essay is called something like: "Don't be the last doc on your block to own a plastic gall bladder! See your drug rep today!"

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  4. JoanieAugust 5, 2009 at 1:46 PM

    I just forwarded this blog post to someone who's husband just finished medical school. I figure get 'em while they're young and sleep deprived.

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  5. thegooddrlauraAugust 5, 2009 at 1:53 PM

    me, too. (just ordered it)

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  6. FizAugust 5, 2009 at 2:17 PM

    I've read all his books and he makes me die laughing.

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  7. AnonymousAugust 5, 2009 at 3:44 PM

    Love this book - Dr. London is funny even from a patient's point of view. I thought about giving a copy to my own doc, but was concerned that the title might...um...offend.

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  8. ERPAugust 5, 2009 at 3:56 PM

    I read that one during medical school too - right after "The House of God".
    Both brilliant!

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  9. FunnyrunnerAugust 6, 2009 at 10:47 PM

    how funny. I work for a medical publisher (a big one), and my job is heading the translation rights/foreign language sales department. I'd love to sell this one! :)

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  10. The MotherAugust 22, 2009 at 10:25 AM

    I have SO got to find a copy of this book!

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  11. JannaNovember 30, 2009 at 12:07 AM

    It's late on Sunday night and instead of sensibly going to bed, I've been staying up late reading your archives.

    Love the blog. It cracks me up.

    Anyway, I had to comment on this post because the book you mentioned is one I recognized. I read it a few years ago and it was indeed great. :)

    You pretty much have to love a book called "Kill As Few Patients As Possible".

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  12. AnonymousMarch 23, 2010 at 9:13 AM

    That is an awesome book. I've had it for years. I just found your blog by accident and have spent about 5 hours of the last 24 catching up on back posts and laughing. Keep up the good work!

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  13. bobbieApril 29, 2012 at 12:04 PM

    If it's anywhere near as good as "House of God", I'll love it!!

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So wadda you think?