Pushing Glass

Summary

James Deetan is a first year pathology resident at St. Louis Memorial Hospital. Arriving from the Philippines, he is a foreign medical graduate in the United States for the first time. A tumultuous year, leads James through his initial hesitating steps of a first year resident, gradually gaining confidence in his diagnostic abilities. Along the way, he learns the subtle nuances and broad knowledge base demanded of the pathologist. As the year progresses, his confidence as a pathologist and his self-esteem dramatically grows. A malpractice lawsuit involving himself and one of his admired mentors devastates and demoralizes him as the year draws to an end. Through this ordeal, James reminds himself of the reasons he pursues a career in pathology, strengthening his resolve to complete his training to become a pathologist.

Cast of Characters

Masao Nomura, M.D.
Attending dermatopathologist and surgical pathologist.

Irene Haas, M.D.
Attending hematopathologist and surgical pathologist.

Daniel Rosenthal, M.D.
Chief resident

Carlos De Jesus, M.D.
Pathology resident

Deanna Berkowitz, M.D.
Pathology resident

Franklin Washington
Pathology assistant

Wilma Rousseau
Histotechnologist

Audrey Johnson
Transcriptionist

Chapters

I. Sign Out
II. The Doctor’s Doctor
III. Pillow Talk
IV. Daily Rounds
V. A Promising Career
VI. Frozen Section