"In general, I found Harvard an exciting place, where people were genuinely focused on study and learning, and with no special emphasis on grades." Part 1, Chap. 1, p. 4

"In my year, I had the dubious distinction of starting more lab fires than anyone else, including a spectacular ether fire that set the ceiling aflame and left large scorch marks, a stigmata of ineptitude hanging over my head for the rest of the year." Part 1, Chap. 1, p. 4

"In retrospect, it seems inconceivable to me that in four years of medical education, nobody ever talked to us, formally or informally, about dying patients." Part 1, Chap. 2, p. 20

"We cause our diseases. We are directly responsible for any illness that happens to us." Part 1, Chap. 7, p. 60

"'I thought you would quit in the end,' he said. 'Your fantasies are too strong.'" Part 1, Chap. 9, p. 68

"The difficulties I experienced adjusting to my...