These short stories are set in the surgical service of a major teaching hospital. Each story explores a "few small moments" in the intimate space in which surgeon and patient, surgeon and colleague, or professor and student come together. The stories provide a loose narrative if read in the order printed. Read individually, each provides privileged glimpses into the surgical life. The book concludes with a section for students interested in pursuing a career in surgery. A short glossary of surgical terms rounds out the book.