Extra listening practice

On June 1, the New York Academy of Medicine presented Oliver Sacks, Doctor of Medicine, Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center, as a special speaker in a Humanities in Medicine series. Here is part of one of his lectures.

Activity:

You will watch the video twice. As you do, answer the following questions. The first one has been done as an example.

0. Where has Oliver Sacks spent his afternoon?

In the rare book section of the NYAM library.

1. What do nineteenth century case histories mean to him?

2. Why does he not like textbooks?

3. In what ways are the nineteenth century descriptions similar to novels?

4. Where did he use to accompany his father when he was twelve?

5. What does Martin Buber say about technology?

6. What can definitely be compromised by technology?

7. What fascinates Oliver Sacks?

8. Who have been his teachers?

9. How can the art of medicine be acquired?

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10. What is medicine threatened by?

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ANSWER KEY

1. What do nineteenth century case histories mean to him?

They are a crucial guide, by virtue of their inspiration for precision, beauty, respect for detail and the individual.

2. Why does he not like textbooks?

He prefers the feeling of discovery one gets from original accounts.

3. In what ways are the nineteenth century descriptions similar to novels?

They have the same sort of passion for detail, sensibility and drama.

4. Where did he use to accompany his father when he was twelve?

On house calls to patients' homes.

5. What does Martin Buber say about technology?

We must humanize it before it dehumanizes us.

6. What can definitely be compromised by technology?

The human relationship with the patient.

7. What fascinates Oliver Sacks?

Functional brain imaging.

8. Who have been his teachers?

His patients.

9. How can the art of medicine be acquired?

- Observation
- Apprenticeship
- Engagement with patients10. What is medicine threatened by?

-Technology
-Insurance
-Lawsuits
-Bureaucracy
-Profit margins