A Hard Day at the Orifice

Book excerpt: This very personal account provides unique insights into the training and life of a dedicated Obstetrician and Gynaecologist. There are also fascinating accounts relating the history of the profession. Dr. Miller underwent extensive training both in Australia and overseas prestigious institutions. In addition to delivering well in excess of fifteen thousand babies in his private practice, in his long career he was responsible for numerous thousands more in his roles as medical superintendent of the then largest maternity hospital in the state and specialist consultant in charge of units in large teaching hospitals.He was also a specialist surgeon. The book is eminently readable and although there are descriptions of obstetric procedures and surgical operations it is certainly not a medical text. His credo; – to be a good doctor one needs knowledge, proficiency in his craft, compassion and humility. Otherwise he will be merely skilled. “While Dr. Miller’s reminiscences are bound to interest his peers and medical colleagues, they are written with a great deal of wit, verve and charm, and make fascinating reading for the layman. The author’s lightness of touch makes the memoir accessible and easy to read, and while he deals with many topical issues ( I found the recollection of his experience in delivering one of the first Thalidomide babies deeply moving ), these moments are balanced by Dr. Miller’s obvious pride in his profession, and his delight in sharing many amusing anecdotes along the way. No reader can close the final page without the feeling an enormous debt of gratitude to those who have have worked so tirelessly in this field to ensure our own or our loved ones’ safety during pregnancy and childbirth." —Annette Gilbert, The Raven’s Parlour Bookstore