social sciences

摘要

Dahl, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) physician, recounts her residency in Bronx, NY, as well as her experience as a ringside doctor for the New York State Athletic Commission. The author became intrigued by boxing through her ex-husband, taking a chance on the opportunity to work as a female fight doctor. After completing her residency, she worked in private practice as an ENT by day and ringside by night. It was her responsibility to make sure the fighters were lucid enough to continue. Assessing the risks for major concussions, spikes in blood pressure, and sinus collapse, she could step in and cancel a fight if she felt a life was at risk. Throughout, Dahl notes her struggles with physical insecurity and a general lack of confidence, being a woman of Middle Eastern descent from North Dakota in the cutthroat world of New York medicine. This self-deprecation is overplayed and becomes tedious, hindering the narrative. Eventually, the author channels the self-possession of a patient who is a professional dominatrix, creating a new persona. VERDICT A solid choice for enthusiasts of boxing or medicine; especially illuminating are the unfortunate reflections on sexual harassment inherent in both fields are.