Body of Knowledge : One Semester of Gross Anatomy, the Gateway to Becoming a Doctor

Rating:
Summary: Sir...I know gross anatomy....sir, you're no anatomist.
Review: Body of Knowledge is a clever book; clever in the sense that it interweaves different stories with a common thread -- that being the art and science of Gross Anatomy. The reader is introduced to the students, teachers, staff, and most importantly, the man who would become the specimen, or more fittingly, the body of knowledge. It is certainly replete with several variations of the same theme: the unselfish act of sharing one's body to enrich one's mind. In exploring this theme, it is apparent that the author's aim is to show the reader how the simple act of dissecting flesh and bone can unlock the life history of the deceased. In doing so, the students are reminded that what is now a specimen was once a man who had lived, loved, laughed, cried, celebrated, and suffered...essentially, the man had been resurrected.
However, the theme does grow repetitive and tiresome after the first three chapters, and I often felt as though the author tried too hard to spell out what is inherently obvious to me as the reader. All in all, the book is a nice read, though very dry at times. The writing can be clumsy, and the transition from one story to another often does not flow smoothly. The author could have spared the reader of delving unnecessarily into the backgrounds of each student, especially since the book is really not about them. There are some inaccuracies in the book, as well. Aside from misusing medical terminology, the author mentions that dental students only study the head and neck during gross anatomy. I tutored both medical and dental students at this very same institution, and I can state with utmost confidence that dental students do indeed study, and are well-versed in, the territory below the neck. In addition, the author has lessened the role of some of the more impressive professors at the expense of glorifying those who are not so impressive.
All in all, it's a good starter book for anyone interested in the art and science of death. It's often given as a gift to matriculating medical students by their respective institutions during the illustrious white-coat ceremony. If you can find a med student who has the book, just borrow it from him. Chances are he hasn't read it anyway.

Rating:
Summary: Sir...I know gross anatomy....sir, you're no anatomist.
Review: Body of Knowledge is a clever book; clever in the sense that it interweaves different stories with a common thread -- that being the art and science of Gross Anatomy. The reader is introduced to the students, teachers, staff, and most importantly, the man who would become the specimen, or more fittingly, the body of knowledge. It is certainly replete with several variations of the same theme: the unselfish act of sharing one's body to enrich one's mind. In exploring this theme, it is apparent that the author's aim is to show the reader how the simple act of dissecting flesh and bone can unlock the life history of the deceased. In doing so, the students are reminded that what is now a specimen was once a man who had lived, loved, laughed, cried, celebrated, and suffered...essentially, the man had been resurrected.
However, the theme does grow repetitive and tiresome after the first three chapters, and I often felt as though the author tried too hard to spell out what is inherently obvious to me as the reader. All in all, the book is a nice read, though very dry at times. The writing can be clumsy, and the transition from one story to another often does not flow smoothly. The author could have spared the reader of delving unnecessarily into the backgrounds of each student, especially since the book is really not about them. There are some inaccuracies in the book, as well. Aside from misusing medical terminology, the author mentions that dental students only study the head and neck during gross anatomy. I tutored both medical and dental students at this very same institution, and I can state with utmost confidence that dental students do indeed study, and are well-versed in, the territory below the neck. In addition, the author has lessened the role of some of the more impressive professors at the expense of glorifying those who are not so impressive.
All in all, it's a good starter book for anyone interested in the art and science of death. It's often given as a gift to matriculating medical students by their respective institutions during the illustrious white-coat ceremony. If you can find a med student who has the book, just borrow it from him. Chances are he hasn't read it anyway.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: I have to confess that I originally picked up this book to satisfy an intrinsically human morbid fascination with death, and what happens to bodies afterward. In the end, this book did much more than that.

BODY OF KNOWLEDGE records the myriad of emotions experienced by four main characters, all first-year medical students at the New Jersey Medical School, as they struggle through the notoriously difficult course mandatory for all aspiring physicians, Gross Anatomy. These four students were assigned to each other as lab partners throughout the entire course, sharing one cadaver to work on. Although the identity of the cadaver remained anonymous to the students, Giegerich gives us an important glimpse into the life of the person who chose to donate his body to science, helping the readers know him as much more than just a science project.

Having no involvement with the medical profession, this book allowed me a rare glimpse into the trials and tribulations faced by would-be doctors as they slave through medical school's toughest course. It also demystified the medical profession, enabling me to see physicians as people who are not so different from you and me save for their extra knowledge of the workings of the human body. For those who have dreams of going to medical school someday, this book also provides great encouragement when you discover the obstacles faced by the various characters prior to being accepted into NJMS.

Most importantly, after reading this book, I have nothing but the utmost respect for those who have willed their bodies to science, so that future generations may benefit from the knowledge gained. Considering all the things done to their bodies in a gross anatomy lab, being a donor is, in the words of one of the characters in the book, the ultimate "selfless act".

Rating:
Summary: Focuses on four medical students who enter an anatomy class
Review: Most students finish any experimentation with physiology with a high school biology course: Body Of Knowledge focuses on four medical students who enter an anatomy class in which they must dissect a human cadaver. Narration of these students' school lives and challenges blend with personal histories and accounts of what it takes to dissect a human body in this revealing account.

Rating:
Summary: Biography of a Cadaver
Review: Steve Giegerich has written a book about a subject matter not only fascinating and mysterious but for some bordering on the gruesome and macabre. He takes us along with four first year medical students as they journey through the Medical Gross and Developmental Anatomy course and lab at the University of Medicine and Dentistry, Newark.

The book focuses on the four students who work at the same lab table and upon Lewis, the cadaver they have been provided to dissect. Despite the difficulty of learning to identify tissues, organs, veins and nerves, muscles and bones, they must also overcome their innate fear and resistance to dissect a fellow human. To make it easier for them, the identity of the cadaver isn't given to the students. However, readers are introduced to Lewis and learn about his life and personality and the human qualities and characteristics that made him unique and special, more than merely a lab subject. Even though the students don't know the specifics about Lewis, most seem to develop a profound respect for the person who has been so generous by donating his body to science. In fact, by the end of the semester, each student has developed a personal relationship and enduring memories of their experiences with Lewis, culminating in a formalized good-bye to this special person.

For the reader, this unique book provides insight into the rigors of medical school and creates a different perspective on the meaning of "donating your body to science". It also traces the origins and history of dissection and of the illustrations used in the ATLAS OF HUMAN ANATOMY and GRANT'S DISSECTOR. Most importantly, BODY OF KNOWLEDGE helps the reader gain an understanding and respect for the generous people who donate their bodies so others can learn. For those reasons this book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Rating:
Summary: Review
Review: This book contains the germ of a good idea - to follow the adventures of four medical students during their gross anatomy class. The medical information contained in the book is most interesting.

However, the clunky, pedantic style of the writing together with the many unexplained technical terms used (sometimes erroneously), make reading this book a tiring experience. The author clearly needs more editorial assistance and creative writing experience in order to lighten the tone of the book and to make it less boring. Right now it is about as exciting to read as a trust deed for an irregularly shaped piece of farmland.