Blue Collar, Blue Scrubs

The Making of a Surgeon

By: Michael J. Collins MD

Narrated by: John Pruden

It looked for a while like Michael Collins would spend his life breaking concrete and throwing rocks for the Vittorio Scalese Construction Company. He liked the work and he liked the pay. But a chance remark by one of his coworkers made him realize that he wanted to involve himself in something bigger, something more meaningful than crushing rocks and drinking beer.

In his acclaimed first memoir, Hot Lights, Cold Steel, Collins wrote passionately about his four-year surgical residency at the prestigious Mayo Clinic. Blue Collar, Blue Scrubs turns back the clock, taking listeners from his days as a construction worker to his entry into medical school, expertly infusing his journey to become a doctor with humanity, compassion, and humor. From the first time he delivers a baby to being surrounded by death and pain on a daily basis, Collins compellingly writes about how medicine makes him confront, in a very deep and personal way, the nature of God and suffering - and how delicate life can be.

©2009 Michael J. Collins, M.D. (P)2018 Tantor

Loved this!

Excellent story, narrator and writing. Stories so relatable that you can't help but feel as though you are listening to a close friend over a few beers. The medical community is better for young doctors like this one.

Profoundly Motivational

This is one of the best book I have come upon that was both entertaining and motivational for anyone looking to become a doctor but may not be in the ideal situation. This memoir shows how it can be achievable

Cool book

I especially jibed with being older entering graduate school. I really needed to hear his look at school as a welcomed challenge to tackle mercilessly. I too study obsessively. So nice to not feel so alone.

Awesome journey !

This is an inspiring journey of a doctor in the making. Well written. Makes you laugh and cry.

Inspirational!

I love everything from the narrator to the entire story of how a man who wanted more for himself, but most importantly put in the work, faith and confidence that he to can succeed in a dream that became reality!