Surgical Reflections: Images in Paint and Prose

Dr. Schwartz and Dr. Wilder combine their extraordinary talents to portray in both words and images the artistry, science, and holistic aspects of medicine in this one-of-a-kind work. From the spectrum of Dr. Wilder’s works, paintings have been selected to form a resonant counterpoint to Dr. Schwartz’s contemplative essays. Together, they form a unique combination of personal interpretation on a range of subjects. Dr. Schwartz’s thought-provoking essays cover topics as various as the development of the Gregorian calendar, the economics of health care, laparoscopic surgery, the nature of pain, and the characteristics of a surgeon. Dr. Wilder’s paintings include celebrated athletes performing remarkable feats of strength and coordination; the sensual, sleek lines of racing cars; quietly emotional or vividly dramatic intraoperative scenes; and succulent fruits and a harvest of viands.

Surgical Reflections excites the reader’s senses, engages the intellect, and invites contemplation. Not just for surgeons, this is a book that will also appeal to individuals outside the medical realm.