Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

Could a skateboarding youth who was afraid of the sight of blood become a skilled surgeon? This was the unlikely start to a career in medicine for Ryan McPherson, D.O. Skeptical parents added to his dilemma. The author revisits his formative years in While You Were Asleep: Behind the Scenes Stories from Residency at a Level 1 Trauma Center. After an average school career, he registered for college, sharing a residence with aspiring medical students. The popular television series “Scrubs” paved the way for a new direction. Almost against the odds, an interview in Kansas City resulted in his admission to medical school. He elected to become a surgeon, a decision influenced by a spell at an emergency medical facility. This was followed by a compulsory five-year residency, served in Phoenix, Arizona, which he described as an assault on the senses. The training was rigorous, with high standards expected and little praise for his achievements. He was rotated through a nearby burn unit and pediatrics, working demanding shifts with little time to sleep, and the inevitable personality clashes of a high-stress profession. Burnout surfaced. Some of his colleagues quit or got divorced, relationships were strained, and there were suicides. At times, he felt like giving up, but ultimately, his perseverance was rewarded.

Ryan A. McPherson relives the doubts, fears, and final success on his path to becoming a qualified surgeon, reflecting that bad memories fade. He concludes that surgery is about striking a balance, but perfection is not always achievable. Sometimes doctors make mistakes. The dedication of healthcare professionals shines through this memoir, but sometimes patients die, and those who attended to them must remain detached, while the loved ones must come to terms with their loss. Bridging the communication gap between doctor and patient is an important aspect of the healing process. Hobbies help maintain a semblance of stability. While You Were Asleep is intended to inform and educate, not to shock readers or sensationalize events, although there is blood aplenty in any trauma unit. It offers an honest look at what goes on behind the scenes in a real-life hospital, featuring numerous anecdotes that are both amusing and sad, and not always as portrayed on television. The narrative is frank, bringing to life the drama, tension, and reality of what it takes to become a qualified surgeon. This requires tenacity and introspection. This memoir is both informative and inspirational, appealing to a wide audience.