The House of God

From WikiMD's Medical Encyclopedia

Revision as of 20:19, 5 March 2024 by Prab (talk | contribs)
(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)

The House of God: A Critical Examination of Medical Training[edit]

Samuel Shem, author of The House of God

The House of God is a novel of satirical nature written by Samuel Shem (the pen name of psychiatrist Stephen Bergman). First published in 1978, the novel has since become a seminal work in medical literature, known for its critique of the medical training system.

Background and Publication[edit]

The novel is set in the early 1970s and follows a group of medical interns at a fictional hospital, based on Beth Israel Hospital in Boston. The story is said to reflect Bergman's own experiences during his medical internship.

Beth Israel Hospital, the inspiration for the setting of The House of God

Plot and Themes[edit]

The House of God details the journey of Dr. Roy Basch and his fellow interns as they navigate through the grueling year of residency. It exposes the psychological and emotional challenges faced by medical interns, highlighting themes of humanism, ethics, and the dehumanization often seen in the healthcare system.

Critical Reception[edit]

Upon its release, the novel was met with mixed reactions. The New York Times described it as "raunchy, troubling, and hilarious." However, its explicit content and stark portrayal of the medical profession were deemed scandalous by some at the time.

Legacy and Influence[edit]

Despite initial controversy, The House of God has gained a cult following and is considered a must-read in many medical circles. It has played a significant role in discussions about improving medical education and patient care, influencing the push towards more humane training methods.

See Also[edit]

References[edit]

<references>

  • Bergman, Stephen. The House of God. 1978.
  • New York Times - Book Review of The House of God.

</references>

External Links[edit]

This article is a stub.

You can help WikiMD by registering to expand it.
Editing is available only to registered and verified users.
WikiMD is a comprehensive, free health & wellness encyclopedia.

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Ad. Transform your health with W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep & MedSpa

W8MD's happy loser(weight)

Tired of being overweight?

Special offer:

Budget GLP-1 weight loss medications

  • Semaglutide starting from $29.99/week and up with insurance for visit of $59.99 and up per week self pay.
  • Tirzepatide starting from $45.00/week and up (dose dependent) or $69.99/week and up self pay

✔ Same-week appointments, evenings & weekends

Learn more:

Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD Medical Encyclopedia

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Content may be inaccurate or outdated and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical decisions. Verify information with trusted sources such as CDC.gov and NIH.gov. By using this site, you agree that WikiMD is not liable for any outcomes related to its content. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Retrieved from "https://wikimd.org/index.php?title=The_House_of_God&oldid=5366697"