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Five Days at Memorial

592 pages, 2016

Takeaways
Description
Sheri Fink's Five Days at Memorial is a masterpiece of investigative journalism that separates truth from rumor, bringing an editorial voice and narrative power to a discussion of the issues surrounding end of life care. Through rigorous research, medical expertise, and compelling writing, Fink has pulled together all of the available data on this storm-ravaged hospital in post-Katrina New Orleans. Her work is deeply moving and uses the language of human rights to discuss the weighty and difficult ethical decisions that were made by hospital staff during those days after the rising floodwaters overwhelmed the city's infrastructure.
The Importance of Preparedness

Five Days at Memorial by Sheri Fink emphasizes the importance of being prepared for disasters. The book explores the chaos that ensued at Memorial Medical Center during Hurricane Katrina due to lack of preparation. It's a wake-up call for all of us to always be ready for unexpected situations.

Ethical Dilemmas in Healthcare

The book takes a deep look into the ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals during disasters. Fink presents a situation where doctors had to decide who to save and who to let go due to limited resources. It's a thought-provoking exploration of the tough decisions that healthcare professionals often have to make.

The Power of Leadership

Sheri Fink's book shows us how crucial strong leadership is during crisis situations. The lack of effective leadership at Memorial Medical Center led to confusion and panic. This book encourages us to develop our leadership skills and be ready to step up when needed.

The Impact of Stress on Decision Making

Five Days at Memorial gives us a glimpse into how high-stress situations can impact our decision-making abilities. The book explores how the extreme stress of the disaster led some healthcare professionals to make questionable decisions. It's a reminder for us to find ways to manage stress effectively.

The Need for Transparency and Accountability

Fink's book highlights the need for transparency and accountability in healthcare. The aftermath of the disaster saw legal battles and public outcry due to perceived cover-ups and lack of accountability. This book encourages us to always strive for transparency and hold ourselves accountable in our respective fields.

Quotes 5

Five Days at Memorial is a powerful, balanced and clearly written depiction of the limitations of our healthcare system in disaster response.

Atul GawandeAtul Gawande - Surgeon, Writer

Sheri Fink's Five Days at Memorial is a masterpiece of reporting and storytelling.

Malcolm GladwellMalcolm Gladwell - Journalist, Author

Five Days at Memorial is a gripping, terrifying and important piece of work.

Rebecca SklootRebecca Skloot - Science Writer

Five Days at Memorial is a stunning feat of journalism, and a full, humanizing look at a tragedy.

Dani ShapiroDani Shapiro - Novelist, Memoirist

Sheri Fink's Five Days at Memorial is a brilliant exploration of the enormous complexities that lie at the heart of disaster response.

Andrew SolomonAndrew Solomon - Writer, Lecturer
Atul GawandeMalcolm GladwellRebecca SklootDani ShapiroAndrew Solomon

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