Title: The Big House: Toronto General Hospital From 1972 To 1984
Author: Hugh Cameron, Edna Quammie
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 978-1796060751
Pages: 136
Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Reviewed by: Aly Avina

Read Book Review

There is much to be said for history — whether it be personal or on a larger level. For some, the two intertwine. And if we think specifically about what happens in the OR at any hospital during any given time period, we can only imagine the wild — sometimes somber, other times comical — moments that have occurred there. This is precisely what we dive into in The Big House: Toronto General Hospital from 1972 to 1984 by Hugh Cameron and Edna Quammie. This non-fiction autobiographical novel is the brainchild of orthopedic surgeon Hugh Cameron and OR nurse Edna Quammie who spent the early years of their careers at Toronto General.

This book has events which occurred during the seventies and eighties, a time not long after Woodstock, a time which had changed the youthful generation of North America. Cameron and Quammie met at Toronto General during this period as well, and have since stayed lifelong friends. It was during a conversation full of nostalgia which led to the idea of this book. Throughout this journey of Toronto’s medical past, we not only get several wonderful anecdotes about memorable patients, but also learn more about the medical field and what it is actually like to work in an OR — particularly during this revolutionary time period.

They delve into the goings-on with the staff of the hospital and even touch on the vast differences in how the practices have changed to modern times. Beyond that, it is interesting to learn of the relationships the surgeons had with people like the anesthesiologists, which tended to be hit or miss, or the fact that for surgeons, the OR is a place of sanctuary. It is where their passion finally thrives and they are able to do what they feel is their life’s mission. Moreover, a little more than halfway through the book we go from Cameron’s perspective as a surgeon in the OR to Quammie’s as an OR nurse.

Edna had several of her own intriguing and anecdotal experiences throughout her time at Toronto General. Her stories were just as enthralling, and it was refreshing to get both perspectives from surgeon and nurse respectively in one book. The chapter titled, “Monika’s Memories”, also gives us a look at a fellow OR nurse in their “Dinosaur Club” during this time period. She regales us with tales of pranks played on her fellow staff, as well as stories of funny pickup lines used between the staff on Friday’s for TGIF.

Overall, this book is the perfect read not only for those in the medical field but those looking to get a glimpse into what life was like in the seventies and eighties. The Big House: Toronto General Hospital from 1972 to 1984 shows how different things were and also teaches you so much about what the OR surgeons and nurses go through on a daily basis. It shines a light on not only the sad times but the happier ones as well and is a fantastic read. Be sure to get your copy today!