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

by Steven Giegerich

Book Overview

Medical Gross and Developmental Anatomy is the course every medical student dreads. As one aspiring physician described it to journalist-author Steve Giegerich, "it's the bridge you have to cross if you want to become a doctor."
Four lab partners facing that notoriously difficult course at Newark's University of Medicine and Dentistry are Sherry Ikalowych, a former nurse and mother of four; Jennifer Hannum, an ultracompetitive jock; Udele Tagoe,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0684862085
• ISBN13: 9780684862088
• Release Date: August 2002
• Publisher: Scribner Book Company
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Biography of a Cadaver

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.

Enlightening

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".

Focuses on four medical students who enter an anatomy class

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.

Body of Knowledge-Gross Anatomy for the squeamish

Started reading this book in Borders Book Store and I couldn't put it down. Great reading, moves quickly, highly recommended!...

Compelling and descriptive

I loved this novel. It takes you through the disection of an entire cadavar. It balances the students need to learn while maintaining the cadavar's humanity by relating to you who he was and who loved him. Excellent book, I would recommend it to anyone.