Set in the Beth Israel Hospital, the novel follows Roy Basch and his fellow medical interns as they navigate their first year of clinical training. Under the cynical guidance of a senior resident known as the Fat Man, the doctors learn the Laws of the House of God, a set of nihilistic maxims designed to survive the dehumanizing workload. Basch treats GOMERs—geriatric patients with chronic conditions who frequently bounce back to the ward—while grappling with medical futility, systemic inefficiency, and the emotional detachment required to keep pace with the grueling schedule.
This book is for medical students, healthcare professionals, and readers interested in the institutional culture of residency. It provides a stark look at the psychological toll of hospital hierarchies and the transition from idealistic student to hardened practitioner. Readers gain a vocabulary for burnout and an unfiltered perspective on the dark humor used by clinicians to cope with end-of-life care and administrative pressure. It clarifies the physical and mental exhaustion inherent in traditional medical training cycles.
Thought-provoking; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Story Seeker. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1978
- Language
- EN
