His routine was the same every day for 38 up at 4:15, make a turkey-on-rye, drive the deserted Henry Hudson Parkway to the hospital, check the schedule, scrub, cut, reattach, save a life or two, repeat. Until March 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic shut hospital surgeries all over the world.
Craig Smith, M.D., Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, went from performing heart surgeries on patients both everyday and celebrated (he performed the quadruple bypass that saved Bill Clinton’s life in 2004) to sitting in his tomb-quiet office looking out at George Washington Bridge. And he started to write. His Covid emails were balm to the staffers and later became celebrated for Dr. Smith’s care and thought in his assessment of the work of the hospital–of any hospital.
Nobility in Small Things not only takes us into the mind and soul of a surgeon with the ability to “play God” but into the heart of a man who chose a lifesaving career. The book introduces us to patients and peers, and moves from family-building and heartbreak at home, to the tragic suicide of two fellow M.D.s. Dr. Smith also writes vulnerably about his debilitating social anxiety and how he overcame it.
Dr. Smith shows us not just the making of a surgeon in Nobility in Small Things, but the maintenance of the deep feeling and moral philosophy that anchor the daily miracles that define his profession.
Why Should You Read This?
Nobility in Small Things: A Surgeon’s Path” by Craig R. Smith, M.D., is an extraordinary memoir that offers readers a captivating glimpse into the mind and soul of a highly respected surgeon. Through heartfelt storytelling and introspection, Dr. Smith takes us on an emotional journey, from the routine of his daily life as a surgeon to the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The book begins by immersing us in the meticulous routine of Dr. Smith’s life—waking up early, preparing his turkey-on-rye sandwich, and embarking on his drive to the hospital. The author’s dedication to his craft is evident as he performs life-saving surgeries, including the quadruple bypass that saved Bill Clinton’s life. However, everything changes when the pandemic hits, forcing the suspension of hospital surgeries worldwide.
Dr. Smith’s transition from the bustling operating room to the solitude of his office provides the catalyst for his writing. His emails, initially intended to uplift and console his colleagues, eventually gain recognition for their empathetic insights into the challenges faced by hospitals everywhere. In “Nobility in Small Things,” Dr. Smith shares these poignant messages, allowing readers to witness the care and thought he invests in assessing the work of his own and any hospital.
While the book delves into the world of medicine, it transcends mere professional accounts. Through intimate narratives, the author introduces us to his patients and colleagues, delving into the joys and heartbreaks of their lives. Dr. Smith explores not only the triumphs and tragedies within the hospital walls but also the profound impact these experiences have on his personal life. He fearlessly addresses the devastating loss of two fellow M.D.s to suicide and opens up about his own battle with social anxiety and the transformative journey towards overcoming it.
What truly sets “Nobility in Small Things” apart is its exploration of the deeply human elements behind the medical profession. Dr. Smith artfully reflects on the moral philosophy and profound emotions that underpin the daily miracles performed by surgeons. The book invites us to contemplate not only the development of a skilled physician but also the continual cultivation of compassion, empathy, and integrity that define this noble profession.
Throughout the memoir, Dr. Smith’s writing is sincere, vulnerable, and deeply introspective. He masterfully intertwines personal stories, medical expertise, and insightful observations, resulting in a narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. The author’s ability to convey his experiences with such authenticity and depth is a testament to his exceptional storytelling skills.
“Nobility in Small Things: A Surgeon’s Path” is a remarkable testament to the resilience and dedication of medical professionals. Dr. Craig R. Smith’s memoir not only sheds light on the extraordinary work of surgeons but also provides a profound meditation on life, empathy, and the pursuit of excellence. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the humanity behind the white coats, and it will leave a lasting impact on readers long after they turn the final page.