PASSING GAS and getting paid for it. The musings of a comic anesthesiologist
Bart J Borsky MD
Synergy Books

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Interesting read … Recommended … 5 stars

Dr. Borsky begins his book with an Introduction in which he implores the reader to please READ the introduction. I am glad that I did, it sets the tone for the rest of the work. He explains that both his wife and mother hate the title of the book, not just because they are classy women, but because they have no sense of humor. In chapter one the good doctor tells the reader that Anesthesia is like flying an airplane. hours of boredom punctuated by sheer terror. He also tells us that he chose to be an anesthesiologist as a planned and deliberate decision. He chose to watch people sleep for hours and hours following his own surgery as a small child. He was fascinated that people could be put into a deep sleep that would allow a doctor to perform surgery and then could be awakened. I'm hoping he is not my anesthesiologist should I need one. I'm a tad wary of Dr Borsky's statement that he remains amazed when the patients do wake up at the end of surgery.

Dr Borsky discusses his own premature birth in Holland in 1961, his dad's profession as an optometrist and the dedication the whole family possesses when it comes to achieving against all odds. Prior to moving to Oklahoma in 1992, Dr Borsky met his future wife, the floor nurse, in the course of a code blue during which an elderly patient was being resuscitated, finished his residency in anesthesia, was staff physician for a year at a VA Hospital and received excellent advice from an older doctor. 'Find out what people in my field didn't like to do, learn to love it, and make myself available.' This Borsky was told was a sure method for becoming successful.

From the first page right on to the last paragraph Dr Borsky addresses pregnancy, his wife's miserable one, tornadoes. Oklahoma is in the heart of tornado alley, a fish named Goldie, problems encountered when called upon to remain awake all night, unsuspected uses for the laser, and firing a weapon in a delightfully irreverent manner.

I knew I was going to enjoy reading this book for review . after many years in the classroom I have a pretty warped sense of humor and the title of the book offered the promise of many a giggle. I was not disappointed as I read the words Dr Borsky has written.

PASSING GAS and getting paid for it is a great, light hearted read for anyone who is hoping to brighten their day and bring a little levity to their situation. The book is presented in easily read chapters that are somewhat chronological to Dr Borsky's life, however, they can be read out of order should the reader decide to grab the book and read a few pages while waiting for the kids to climb out of the dentist's chair, the 100 car coal train to finally rumble past or the light to change at some of these Oklahoma intersections.

For review I received a trade paperback from publicist.

For those hoping to read a little gallows humor or believe that all hospitals resemble those on TV the book may prove a shocker, Dr Borsky reveals real life, not the Hollywood version of same.

Enjoyed the read, I don't keep all books I receive for review, this is one I will be keeping and sharing with family and friends. Happy to recommend.^