Richard Selzer: Premiere American Surgeon-Writer

Abstract

Richard Selzer (b.1928) is one of the most prominent American surgeon-authors alive today. Only Sherwin Nuland (b.1930), from Yale University Medical School as Selzer was, carries the same outstanding virtues of good surgery and excellent writing. Recently, Atul Gawande (b. 1965) has taken a road similar to these two distinguished predecessors. Selzer has produced 14 books of superb scholarship and immense value for the active and committed surgeon. He describes, with unusual grace and wit, different aspects of great interest to the surgeon's life. He includes details of instruments, particularly the surgical knife, approaching this essential and many times lifesaving instrument with unparalleled courage and incredible precision. He also advances with savvy understanding and well-defined knowledge the great character of various organs of the human body. Richard Selzer offers a special perspective on being a surgeon and a writer. He has been on both sides of these professions. He practiced general surgery for many years and has been a writer for three decades at least. Dr. Selzer demonstrates writing skills and surgical knowledge that can be extremely helpful to the student and surgeon alike.