Birth

By A.J. Cronin

A.J. Cronin was a Scottish author and physician, known for his vivid storytelling and deep insights into human nature, often drawing from his experiences as a medical professional. “Birth” is a short story by him that revolves around the emotional and professional journey of a young doctor, Andrew Manson. The story captures a tense moment where Dr. Manson must use his medical skills and quick thinking to save both a mother and her newborn during a difficult childbirth. It reflects themes of duty, perseverance, and the value of human life.

Q: “I have done something; oh, God! I’ve done something real at last.” Why does Andrew say this? What does it mean?

Ans. Andrew Manson, the protagonist in A.J. Conin’s story “Birth,” says this line after successfully reviving a stillborn baby. Throughout the story, Andrew is portrayed as a young doctor, full of theoretical knowledge but lacking in real-world experience. The successful resuscitation of the baby marks a pivotal moment in his career, as it is the first time he feels he has truly made a significant difference in someone’s life.

The exclamation reflects Andrew’s deep sense of accomplishment and relief. After witnessing the hardships of the Morgan family and the intense pressure of the situation, Andrew’s success validates his skills and purpose as a physician. It is a moment of personal triumph where he realizes the real impact he can have through his profession. This success transforms his earlier self-doubt and frustration into a profound sense of achievement.

Q: There lies a great difference between textbook medicine and the world of a practicing physician. Discuss.

Ans. “Birth,” A.J. Cronin illustrates the vast difference between the theoretical knowledge a doctor gains from textbooks and the practical challenges faced in real-life situations. Textbook medicine is often systematic, predictable, and based on ideal scenarios, while the world of a practicing physician is full of uncertainties, emotional complexities, and the need for quick, decisive action.

Andre Manson’s experience in the story highlights this contrast. Despite being well-versed in medical theory, Andrew finds himself in a situation where textbook knowledge alone is insufficient. The intense pressure, the emotional stakes of the Morgan family, and the unpredictability of the childbirth complications require Andrew to go beyond what he has learned in the textbook. He must rely on his intuition, quick thinking, and the ability to adapt to the immediate demands of the situation.

This difference underscores the importance of experience and the human element in medicine. A practicing physician must navigate not only the physical symptoms and treatments but also the emotional and psychological aspects of patient care. The story shows that true medical practice involves compassion, empathy, and the ability to respond to the unique circumstances of each case-qualities that cannot be fully captured in textbooks.

Q: Do you know of any incident when someone has been brought back to life from the brink of death through medical help? Discuss medical procedures such as organ transplant and organ regeneration that are used to save human life.

Ans. Yes, I remember such an incident, when my cousin was in labor. She gave birth to a child but the child was not breathing. The midwife called my uncle who himself was a doctor. When he observed the child, he wrote some medicines on the paper and asked the father of the child to bring them as quickly as possible. He hurried off. In the meantime, my uncle brought the newborn near the fireplace and started to give CPR to the newborn. Then he flipped him and patted his back. After 15 minutes or so, the baby started to sneeze and breathe.

In the context of organ transplantation, countless lives have been saved through the transplantation of vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs. The procedure involves removing the diseased organ and replacing it with a healthy one from a donor. This complex surgery requires precise matching of donor and recipient, as well as careful post-operative care to prevent organ rejection.

Organ regeneration is another cutting-edge area of medical science. Research into stem cells and tissue engineering holds the promise of regenerating damaged organs or tissues. For example, scientists are working on ways to grow new heart tissue damage caused by heart attacks. Though still largely experimental, these advances could revolutionize the treatment of organ failure and extend human life expectancy.