In the vast array and vitriol of our National Health debate, the doctor's voice, especially that of the surgeon, is rarely solicited, and seldom heard . It is mostly the clamor of patients you hear or the rancor of politicians . This compendium of lifetime essays will restitute an imbalance that is long overdue . The collection speaks to how a practicing surgeon really feels about the vital medical issues of our day, and what needs to be done to improve his life's work and his dedicated care for his patients . American medicine is at a desperate crossroads where the qualitative health of ourselves and our beloved country have arrived at critical mass . Herewith a rare insider's insights, with unadulterated answers . .......