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Joseph Cramer, M.D.: 9 out of 10 record not so bad — until you consider context

@DR. Cramer | 6:58 a.m. Aug. 1, 2009

As a surgeon, if I make one surgical mistake, the patient must live with the consequences for life.

Pointless | 9:04 a.m. Aug. 1, 2009

I've heard these types of comparisons before. They are completely pointless, because different actions have different levels of expected performance and perfection. Four out of ten planes landing successfully would be an unparalleled tragedy, but four hits in 10 at-bats would make you the best hitter in the Major League. What's the point of comparing them?

@ Pointless | 10:56 a.m. Aug. 1, 2009

The point of comparing them is exactly what you said - sometimes, in somethings, a 90% success rate is more than wonderful - other times, it is a tragedy - and we need to be able to tell the difference.

Comments continue below

uncannygunman | 12:41 p.m. Aug. 1, 2009

The headline says it all--consider the context.

the truth | 5:01 p.m. Aug. 1, 2009

Doctors and surgeons are just people,

it is impossible for them NOT to make a mistake.

So waht are we going to do?

Sue them into oblivion,

or do tort reform, so mistakes can be handle correctly and justly?

Pointless | 6:32 p.m. Aug. 1, 2009

Thanks Captain Obvious - I didn't realize I needed a professional journalist to tell me that a 90% success rate is not a good standard for medical procedures, court justice, airline luggage, and correct notes from a professional musician.

@ Pointless 6:32 | 9:26 a.m. Aug. 2, 2009

If you were aware of those things, then you are ahead of a great portion of the American Citizenry.

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