Customer Reviews

First, Do No Harm: The Cure For Medical Malpractice

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Dr. Williams presents a practical solution to the medical malpractice "crisis" that seems so real. This book has changed my assumptions about the medical community.

A very well constructed discussion on a pressing and immediate topic. Dr William's book offers a qualified perspective in a clear framework while providing a unique recommendation on how to solve this growing problem impacting every American. I strongly recommend it as a must read to anyone with an interest in medical malpractice...both medical professionals and everyday patients alike.

I was very disappointed by this book as it really has nothing new. Identifed on the cover as "Dr. Ira E. Williams," the author is a DDS oral/maxillofacial surgeon who has obviously had "turf wars" with MD head and neck surgeons, and seems to have a lot of sour grapes. It is clear to Dr. Williams that he is the superior surgeon, and if he had been consulted could have solved most of the MDs' mistakes. He complained to the local Peer Review Organization about some of his colleagues, and they gave the opinion there was "no substandard care." He concludes that peer organizations have no teeth, and are run by good old boys more concerned with protecting their buddies than in good patient care. In fact, peer review organizations I have been involved in operate almost exactly like the IRPR he ends up recommending in his last chapter, and are staffed by diligent, caring people who honestly want the best for patients, though usually are less arrogant about being sure their approach is the only right one. Meanwhile, he ignores or belittles new approaches (like the aviation model) that actually stand likely to reduce the frightening statistics on medical errors. He gives his prejudice away on page 138 when he states "...the only solution is to identify, control, and discipline negligent practitioners," ignoring the fact that most errors are committed by competent, careful, and up-to-date doctors who are not perfect. Chastising people again and again to never make a mistake and punishing them when they do can never create faultless people, but has created the defensive-medicine mess we're in today.
This book promised a new idea, but really doesn't offer any advice except to try harder and stop whining.

This book really drives home the issues associated with the "dark side" of healthcare. Whether you term the issue medical negligence or malpractice, it's real and this book does a good job of discussing the subject. The use of real-life examples is excellent. Dr. Williams' practical, no-nonsense approach would seem to go a long way in solving medical malpractice. This book was quite interesting and a quick read.

In the modern-day America, twice as many people are killed by medical error as die in traffic accidents. Dr. Ira E. Williams, a medical professional and oral surgeon of 40 years' experience, warns of the many failings of today's system of medical practice regulation in First, Do No Harm: The Cure For Medical Malpractice. Addressing the skyrocketing cost of malpractice lawsuits, the questionable validity of relying upon the courts and the legal profession to set standards for medicine, the limitations of peer review, and stressing that medical negligence is not just the work of a few "bad apples" but a pathology that can affect any doctor, as all medical practitioners are themselves fallible human beings, First, Do No Harm is a rivet-ing revelation of a severe social problem. First, Do No Harm goes beyond pointing out the injury, however; it offers viable strategies for improving national health care, including drawing from the positive examples in veteran's hospitals and promoting increased self-regulation. An absolute "must-read" for anyone involved in the medical industry today, whether as a practitioner or a patient.

I was debating whether or not to buy and read this book until I saw Dr. Van Pelt's comments and then I was sure that I wanted to read it. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. I will let you know what I thought of the book after I read it.

A well written book that provides a fresh look at the hot topic of medical malpractice. Dr. Williams offers his insider's opinion of why the current system does not work and explains in detail what can be done to change it.