I was mistaken about Bellevue. It still serves the poor and indigent but it also New York’s flagship public hospital, and the first choice of emergency services for many diplomats and police officers. Dr. Manheimer outlines his career there by writing about a dozen cases he has handled. His stories tell about a runaway, a family plagued by obesity, a Wall Street executive drug addict, Rikers Island inmate, and his own battle with throat cancer, among others. As medical director for 15 years, his days were filled with meetings, as well as many one-on-one consults. He does point out flaws at Bellevue and with our health care, but overall he is happy with what they are able to accomplish.
