Complications: A Surgeon’s Notes on an Imperfect Science

Essayists, by virtue of being nonfiction writers, must build trust with the reader. How does Gawande establish his authority and transparency? In what ways is doing so necessary and effective for this type of subject matter?

Gawande inserts his own experiences, beliefs, and reactions into Complications. Select 3-5 instances in which he does so and discuss the effect of this authorial voice and personal narrative as they combine with the more objective material in the book.

The first section of Complications is titled “Fallibility.” Does Gawande’s discussion of fallibility serve to credit the medical community, undercut it, or both?