Groopman, ?Introduction? to How Doctors Think

Discussion questions: Groopman, "Introduction" (first publ. 2007)

1. The introduction to a book usually has to serve two purposes: introduce the main ideas of the book and make them seem interesting, and give some summary of what subsequent chapters will cover. How does Groopman approach these two goals? How well does he succeed? Which of his ideas struck you as most interesting or made you want to read more?

2. Groopman is most interested in failures in thinking and how to avoid them. What are some of the thinking failures he discusses in this chapter? Which seem most important?

3. Like Gawande, Groopman uses case histories like that of Anne Dodge to set up his essay and make his points. How would you compare his strategies for writing about particular patients and doctors with Gawande's?