If you're interested reading more personal encounters like this, I highly recommend "When the Air Hits Your Brain". It follows the author's journey from resident to experienced neursurgeon with a wisecrack sense of humor and greusome detail.

I finished it in premed days when I was looking for an candid story of becoming a neurosurgen. Definitely kept me fascinated.

*http://www.amazon.com/When-Air-Hits-Your-Brain/dp/0393330494