Coronary A True Story Of Medicine Gone Awry
Medical malpractice and negligence are not uncommon in the healthcare industry. Coronary: A True Story Of Medicine Gone Awry is a book that explores the consequences of such incidents. The book, written by Dr. Stephen Klaidman, is a true story of a patient who died as a result of medical negligence. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the pitfalls of the healthcare system and the importance of patient safety.
The Story
The book tells the story of Libby Zion, an 18-year-old college student, who died in a New York hospital in 1984. Zion was admitted to the hospital with a high fever and other symptoms. She was seen by several doctors, including interns and residents, who failed to diagnose her condition correctly. As a result, Zion was given medication that interacted with another drug she was taking, which led to her death.
The book explores the events leading up to Zion's death and the subsequent investigation. Klaidman provides an in-depth analysis of the case, highlighting the failures of the healthcare system and the need for reform.
The Consequences
Zion's death led to a significant overhaul of the healthcare system in New York. The investigation into her death revealed significant flaws in the system, including the working conditions of medical residents and interns. The case resulted in new regulations that limited the number of hours that medical residents and interns could work.
The case also led to changes in the way hospitals are staffed and the way patients are treated. Today, hospitals are required to have attending physicians on duty at all times, and patients have the right to ask for a second opinion if they are not satisfied with their treatment.
The Lessons
The book provides several lessons for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. First, it highlights the importance of patient safety and the need for healthcare providers to prioritize it. Second, it underscores the importance of communication between patients and healthcare providers. Patients need to be informed about their treatment options and the risks associated with them.
Finally, the book emphasizes the need for policymakers to implement reforms that prioritize patient safety. The healthcare system needs to be reformed to ensure that incidents like Zion's death do not happen again.
Conclusion
Coronary: A True Story Of Medicine Gone Awry is a book that everyone should read. It provides a sobering reminder of the consequences of medical malpractice and negligence. The book is a call to action for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to prioritize patient safety and implement reforms that will prevent such incidents from happening in the future.