House of Doctors, written by Dr Tripti Sharan, published by Readomania is a candid and heart-warming read about the life of a medical student as she pursues her medical degree.
This is Sharan’s second book about the medical profession, and while different in tone and content, it is equally impactful and leaves a strong impact on the mind of the reader.
The book is largely anecdotal and based on the real-life experiences of the author and her fellow doctors. The anecdotes are sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking, and sometimes awe-inspiring, but all manage to offer a peek into the making of a doctor. Each incident instils in the reader a sense of respect for the medical profession.
House of Doctors by Tripti Sharan is a candid and emotional read about life in a medical school.
There were various anecdotes that stuck with me long after I had finished reading the book.
The one about the blood donation by the student doctors and their determined efforts in saving the patient in question warmed my heart, while the attitude of the patient’s husband and mother-in-law made my heart bleed.
Another incident that impacted me deeply was about a difficult delivery in the labour room. This particular story isn’t just an emotional read but also impactful in how it reminds the reader the value of life. The next best thing to watching a baby being born is to vicariously experience it, I guess. Sharan does not disappoint at all for her narration of this scene is pure, raw, and as tension-filled as it must have been in real life. For me, it was as impactful as if I had been in that room and experienced it live for myself-an incredibly overwhelming experience.
One particular anecdote that caused tears to well up in my eyes (and will stay with me for long after) was when a woman’s family makes certain decisions regarding the course of medical treatment that ultimately result in an unexpected and tragic outcome. The conflict between traditional beliefs versus modern medicine is stark. Should the doctor be absolved of all responsibility when the patient’s family goes against medical advice? Does the doctor have any power and authority in overruling bad decisions taken by ignorant family members? Could the doctor have done anything differently? The narration of the entire incident is honest and heartfelt and reveals how much guilt doctors carry in their heart, sometimes for no fault of theirs.
There are several such narrations which are shocking and heart-rending, like when a pregnant woman’s husband insists on a normal delivery-despite the doctor’s for a caesarean-and, in defiance of the doctor’s instructions, takes his wife home, only to bring her back the next day, this time with several complications. Reading this incident made me experience an acute sense of helplessness combined with fury, even as I read how the doctor selflessly set about to reverse the damage already caused. (I don’t know whether it really was selflessness or simply the doctor fulfilling their moral obligation, but it did show an immense strength of character on the doctor’s part to not berate the family for not heeding to the medical advice.)
There were those anecdotes too that cheered me up and made me marvel at the miracles that happen within the doors of a hospital. Reading about the incident when the author experienced a high like no other -where an unborn baby clutched her fingers-was no less than incredible.
It is not just the incidents but the characters too that come across as impactful. Whether it be a previously platonic friendship that develops into an unexpected romance or the support from a male doctor that grows into a more reliable friendship – the author makes sure the characters make an impact on the minds of a reader. The anecdotes regarding Dr. Anuj and Dr. Sameer– both memorable personalities in their own way-made me respect and admire them. It was heartening to read about male colleagues who are respectful towards their female counterparts.
At some places, I did feel as if some of the medical parlance could have been better explained. The context for some of the jokes or medical complications were lost on me. Yet, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book because, except for those one or two instances, the author has taken care to explain the details for a non-medico reader.
As a reader, it was easy to get invested in the personal and professional growth of the author-doctor, and the many incidents help understand and appreciate the trials and tribulations doctors go through.
The book is relevant if you’re a doctor or ever have been a patient. To someone who has actually travelled this journey for themselves, it would offer many chances for reminiscing their own medical college days. For others, it offers valuable and interesting insights into the makings of a doctor.
A must read for everyone-doctor or not!
Grab your copy of House of Doctors by Tripti Sharan, published by Readomania, here.
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