Neurosurgery and Neurology: Lesions of the Soul Summary and Analysis

During Konner's last week of surgery, a New York Times article claimed requirements for scientific detail exceed concern for human needs at medical schools. Konner watched a television doctor show he thought unrealistic because the doctors seemed to care deeply about patients. Konner looked forward to his rotation in neurosurgery that began with watching an operation done by the world's most famous brain surgeon. Dr. Brennan had turned back the "dura mater" or protective matter of Gerald Edwards' brain to operate. Brennan used a vacuum suction device on Edwards' right frontal lobe. Test tubes were prepared and sent to pathology for testing. As the suctioned cavity enlarged, more samples were analyzed until Dr. Brennan took a seventh sample announced as low grade astrocytoma, malignant and a tumor that would...