Reviews

Physician Ravin (M.D., Seven North, offers a convincing, provocative novel about the chaos that befalls a fictitious Washington, D.C., hospital when its newly appointed chief of surgery demonstrates gross incompetence. Ben Abrams, an efficient doctor with an engagingly flippant manner, enjoys his affiliation with St. George's University Hospital until the arrival of Dr. Tom McIlheny, a Harvard-educated surgeon, to head the hospital's surgical department. With increasing horror, Ben, his girlfriend, Dr. Ann Payson, and numerous others at St. George's realize that although McIlheny is fanatically attentive to minutiae, he often exhibits poor professional judgment that disastrously affects his patients. Despite widespread misgivings about McIlheny, staff members won't denounce him publicly because they fear reprisals, a situation that changes only after Ann is wrongfully suspended following a clash with him. Ravin presents a wealth of illuminating medical information as he explores the reluctance of some doctors to expose their inept colleagues. (June)