Across the Red Line
Stories from the Surgical Life

Takes the reader into the corridors of the hospital, on the surgical table, and into the world of medicine. This book tells about the tragedies and triumphs of modern medicine: the beauty of surgery done well, and the aftermath of operations that fail to deliver on the hopes of the doctor and patient.

It is this natural drive of our bodies to repair themselves from all injuries (including the surgeon's wounds) that is the centerpiece of medicine. Without it no surgeon could cut'. Written with economy and subtlety, "Across the Red Line" offers a vivid picture of disease and the miracle of life. It will interest anyone who's ever been on either side of the surgical table. Author note: Richard C. Karl is Connar Professor and Chairman of the Department of Surgery at the University of South Florida College of Medicine. A frequent contributor to the St. Petersburg Times and a columnist for "Flying Magazine", he lives in Tampa.

Acknowledgments Introduction: Across the Red Line 1. M &
M 2. How It Comes About That a Successful Operation Ends in Disaster 3. Fate 4. A Columnist Comes to Work 5. Four Patients in Santa Fe 6. Hanging 7. Helping Sal-Knowing When to Quit 8. On the Table 9. Hotel Utah 10. Midwest Bulletin Board 11. Retirement Party 12. Match Day 13. The Norwich Classic Car Rally 14. Luck