Customer Reviews

The Medical Science of House, M.D.

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

With no malice towards the efforts of Mr. Holtz I didn't really think that this book was all that interesting. It's an explanation of some of what goes on in the modern practice of medicine explained with referrences to "House M.D." At the end of it all I felt that it made the show less enjoyable and while it was mildly informative about the practice of medicine it was nothing special.

Holtz draws the conclusion that in the real world House would quickly be out of a job. Of course he would, but if TV dramas restricted themselves to reality no one would watch. I don't watch House to learn about medicine, I watch it to see an ongoing story about a brilliant man with an unconventional way of looking at things.

My recommendations are as follows, if you want a book about modern medicine look for one that is not tied to a work of fiction and if you like "House M.D." continue to suspend disbelief and enjoy the show the same as always. My final comment is that I suspect that someone wanted to write a very broad, general book about medicine and used "House M.D." as an opportunity to gain attention and market for the book.

... and entered a book...
calling all Dr. Gregory House fans, read The Medical Science of House by Andrew Holtz. Holtz, a medical journalist, clarifies the mysteries and diagnoses in the television show House, which follows an irascible, but brilliant, diagnostician named, you guessed it, House.
If you watch the show and it goes so fast that you need a review of medical terms and conditions or a clarification of the lightening fast thinking and and Jersey-esque verbal speed and brusqueness of the doctors, go to the show's website which recaps each episode in detail. For a broader view of the medicine on the show, Holtz's book not only explains several of the TV show's episodes and cases, it serves as an introduction to health care and medicine today. Holtz clearly and methodically explains the process of differential diagnosis for example. He covers the different kinds of vaccinations against diseases, briefly describes epidemics and other public health disasters, summarizes the various medical imaging techniques from x-rays to CAT scans and PET scans and generally covers a lot of ground in an entertaining style. This book was a quick read. I recommend it to any non-medical professional with an interest in the field, teens who like medical thrillers and possibly book clubs looking for a break from novels.

This book was a good start if you're interested in the science behind the popular TV series, "House."
My teenage son absolutely loved the book, and read it cover to cover before playing his new X-Box games at Christmas, which gives you an idea how much it appealed to him.
As an R.N. myself, I found the medical aspects of this book to be understandable, without talking over the head, or talking down to the casual reader. Where it falls down for me, is that Andrew Holtz is not a very charasmatic writer.
If only the book had the delivery of the series, this would have been a definite five-star read.

I very much enjoyed reading "The Medical Science of House, M.D." which provides an interesting look at the practice of medicine, contrasting the show House, M.D. with the real world practice of medicine. The book gives the reader some insight as to why some of the cases were chosen, where they were exaggerated for dramatic effect, and how authentic many of the medical scenes are in the show. Granted, many of the treatments on the show, wouldn't be allowed in real life, but that's what makes for interesting drama, showing what many in the profession might wish they could do were they given complete freedom without fear of litigation.

In short, this book is well worth a read.

If you seek insightful information into some of the cases seen on the TV show 'House MD' don't buy this book. This book regurgitates fairly well known facts about the practice of modern medicine. It occasionally refers to minor aspects of the show but not in any useful way, largely using the name 'House MD' to increase sale numbers. For those people actually interested in delving into some of the more interesting issues surrounding modern medicine, there are much, much better texts out there. The author is a journalist, so it figures.

This book provides solid insight into the medicine behind the drama in House, MD. Having often wondered about the medical accuracy of the show, reading Holtz's book answers those questions and gives background on some of the medical issues and on hospital practices.

I've worked in the medical field for about 10 years now and two of the doctors I work with are fans of the show. One states that it's much more realistic than ER in terms of how medicine and doctors are portrayed. I love the show myself, and the book dovetails nicely with doctors explaining how they narrow their differential diagnoses in order to arrive at a definitive diagnosis in order to better treat the patient.

This book is more of a treatise on modern medical practice, rather than a book specifically about the medicine depicted on the TV show.

It is interesting on it's own terms, and well written. But if you are hoping -- as I was -- for a sort of episode-by-episode critique of the medicine as depicted on House, you will be disappointed.

Like a lot of other people I'm sure, I started wondering how medically accurate the show House M.D. is. This book helps to answer that question, quite well in fact. Nothing complex - it's a pretty simple read and helps to satisfy your curiosity about the show. Keep in mind, it may shatter your hopes if you think a doctor like House could actually exist (and be successful) in our medical field today. However, in contrast he gives good overall review of the terminology and actual medicine used on the show. Recommended read if you have more then a passing interest in House.

This book is a must for House, M.D. fans and for anyone interested in medical facts. The book explores situations, conditions, diseases, etc. as in the House, M.D. television show and gives the real facts. As interesting as the cases are it somehow doesn't distract from the House, M.D. show even if sometimes the tv scenes are debunked a bit.

I highly recommend this book.