Blue Collar, Blue Scrubs: The Making of a Surgeon

Mike Collins is a great story teller and has authored another wonderful book. He does a great job of describing his grueling and unusual career path from life as a construction laborer to medical school and an M.D. degree. His colorful character descriptions are vivid and entertaining. As a fellow physician I can attest to the fact that he presents an accurate picture of the exhausting and mentally challenging life of a typical medical student. His anguished reflection on the dehumanization of patients being propelled through the health care system is an aspect of medicine all practitioners see but don’t like to think much about; his thoughts on this are a testament to his caring and empathetic nature. These philosophical thoughts seem cathartic for the author, but not overwhelming for the reader, as the book is also generously peppered with the doctor’s hilariously-crafted humor. I highly recommend "Blue Collar, Blue Scrubs" as well as his first book "Hot Lights, Cold Steel." David B. Crawley, M.D. - Author of  A Mile of String: A Boy's Recollection of His Midwest Childhood  and  Steep Turn: A Physician's Journey From Clinic to Cockpit .

Loved how humorous and in depth the medical side of this book was. Completely enjoyed it especially knowing and appreciating that it was a little “dated”. All the Doctors were white males! Ha, ha! And some of the sexist comments made me chuckle. But to be honest, it was nice to see viewpoints from just a few decades ago versus today, and how they have already changed. Really enjoyed this book overall and I actually read it quickly which doesn’t happened too often with me (I’m a slow reader.)

I will ready anything this author writes! He has the best sense of humor. This book was hilarious!!!

This book is excellent for anyone interested in applying for medical school. It is a true story of an average Joe who challenged himself and achieved far more than anyone could have believed. It's a heart warming underdog story and very inspirational. Overall the book is a quick and entertaining read with a good storyline and interesting protagonist.My only complaint, and this does not apply to all readers, is that some of the facts about the medical school process are slightly outdated. This does not in any way affect the story, but I remember reading books like this before applying to medical school and taking everything as solid fact. Again, this did not impact my enjoyment of the book, but it is good to know if you are an aspiring physician.

This was not just another medical memoir about the incredible rigors of medical school and residency. This showed a man's struggle to maintain his deep compassion and humanity as he entered the fast paced, arduous, soul wrenching journey to achieve his dream - to become a doctor, to help others. I found it very thought provoking. It was a lesson for me as well. In the midst of trying to check off my daily, so important, can't wait, emergency to do list items, what am I missing? Who am I missing? I am failing to see others, to see their need. This was the message I took away from this highly readable, very enjoyable memoir. What does any achievement matter if we lose our humanity in the process?

The basic writing was OK - a bit long on uninteresting details. The writer is no doubt an excellent surgeon. He is not at all as amusing as he pictures his anecdotes to be. He attempts introspection and viewing things from the eyes of his patients, but those attempts come up long on drama and short on any feeling of actual compassion. He relates instance after instance where he acted in ways that were in harmony with a culture of uncaring. His relating how difficult his wife's life was is troubling as he was clearly aware of it and aware that others found solutions however he just kind of brushes her suffering off. The problem with being in an elite position in society is that very little negative feedback is given, so there is little incentive to become a better human being.All of which was impacted by the truly dreadful printing job the book makers did. Almost 25% of the pages have a defect that runs down the entirety of the page, where 3-4 characters are missing. You have to guess as to what would have been written there. Most of the time its possible but all of the times its unpleasant.I wish I'd have kept a better eye on when the return window closed, because I'd definitely have returned this if I had. It almost feels like this was a book pulled from the "unsaleable, defects" pile and then sold by an unscrupulous person from that pile as a regular book.SO: For content, OK, but sad regarding the writer's separation from the suffering of others. For product quality, ick- hard pass.

I'm really curious about "the making of a surgeon" b/c I love to become a neurosurgeon. He has a really good sense of humor, I think the worker environment nurtured it very well :) . His frank, sociable, hard-working, humble characteristics erase my perspective of a surgeon as a cold, quite, gifted one. He wrote about his memoir for about 10 years. It's not a so long time, but what matter are his dedication to all his work, his determination to his dream. "Hard work always pays off, just keep in mind that and work your ass off now" I whisper to myself. Hope you can hear those words too :)

I am looking into possibly going to medical school in a few years. I was attracted to this book initially because, like the author, I come from an untraditional non-science background. I’m not throwing rocks, but still. This book is not only entertaining to read, but gave me some great insight into what it takes to become a doctor. I found the first part of the book where he is working in construction to be a little boring, but once I got through that it was an excellent book.

Dr Collins achievement is 1 out of million;Unbelievable for the Gennext, BUT found wonderous read last 100 page only from total 291, rest is just ordinary & disheartening. Typically American read, would have loved to be international on medical marvel.Doesn't justify the cover & title, may be I had very high expectations.I am awed by Dr's life, their achievement, hard work they love & more on enchanting Human body's wonder ...a blessing and sometime pitiable.Now would read Hot Light, cold Steel by Dr Collins...hope it is facinating .

What a wonderful story. So well written i found it hard to put down and read it in one day.Your dedication to study and persistance throughout those years is amazing The love and patience of your wife is truly wonderful. Thank you so much for writing your story.

Though only part way through. The book gives insight that one can enter medicine from any vocation. Highlighting that hard work overcomes adversity, despite a mindset of "impossible."

Great book! Must read!

Loved it!