Another Day in the Frontal Lobe by Katrina Firlik

Another Day in the Frontal Lobe
by Katrina Firlik
Random House, 2006
288 pages
Nonfiction/Autobiography
Personal Copy

Summary in a Sentence:

A medical rarity—only five percent of this country's 4000 neurosurgeons are women—Firlik lets us in on the secrets of her job.

My Thoughts:

This book was simply fascinating. Neurosurgeon Firlik takes the reader through her experiences as a medical student then a resident neurosurgeon with pit stops to explain some odd curiosities about both her chosen profession and the brain itself. Not many women have ventured into the area of neurosurgery-only about 200 at the time the book was published just a few years ago- so this book gives the reader quite the inside glimpse into the field.

"Luckily, in this modern era, I've never found the need to storm out of a room, call anyone a chauvinist, or report any transgressions to the authorities. The way for women in surgery has already been paved to a great degree, and I'm grateful for all the women who must have had it harder-much harder-than I did."

Firlik discusses the world of brain surgery much the same as a mechanic would discuss the goings on at the auto shop at times. She stresses the physicality of the job, complete with the drills and handsaws often required to reach the soft tissue that requires surgery. Also included in the book are some very interesting little-known tidbits on the brain and its amazing ability to heal. This is a great nonfiction pick for the layperson interested in science and the workings of the brain, not to mention those interested in women's studies.

~ This book counts towards the Women Unbound Challenge ~

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