Making Rounds

Making Rounds is a vivid and captivating exploration of the art and science of modern medicine. Released in 2015, this insightful documentary takes a deep dive into the systematic aspects of patient care whilst focusing on the workings of two prominent cardiologists from Mount Sinai Hospital, namely, Dr. Valentin Fuster and Dr. Herschel Sklaroff.

The journey of this 85-minute documentary unfolds within the energetic, bustling heart of New York City. It breathes life into the usually impersonal, often misunderstood, intricacies of healthcare, transforming it from a mere transactional interaction to a more humanized experience.

Director Muffie Meyer, best known for her documentaries Grey Gardens and The Gates, skillfully maneuvers through the world of cardiology. Instead of focusing solely on the scientific side of cardiology, she encourages viewers to take a deeper, more empathetic look into the medical world through the evocative narrative of Making Rounds.

The film takes viewers through the ever evolving kaleidoscope that is medicine. It encapsulates the miraculous recoveries, the sudden reversals, the intense emotional highs, and the crushing lows often associated with this profession. But above all, it illustrates the importance of listening to the patient for a successful diagnosis and treatment.

Drs. Fuster and Sklaroff share their extensive expertise in cardiology and their approach to the complexities of diagnosing cardiac diseases. The film presents their method of merging old school approach with the latest technology for effective patient care. The doctors advocate the value of bedside visits, stating that every patient has a story that plays an integral part in their overall health.

The film’s focus on this doctor-patient relationship immensely humanizes the medical profession. It illuminates the less-talked-about fact that medicine, despite its scientific roots, is primarily about nurturing human connections and understanding human emotions. The heartening interactions between the doctors and their patients spotlight this crucial aspect, highlighting that empathy is as pivotal a tool in a doctor's arsenal as their knowledge and skills.

In one of the film's most fascinating segments, viewers get a glimpse of real-time heart imaging techniques. These technological wonders would typically be overshadowed by the myriad plot developments in healthcare dramas. Yet, in Making Rounds, they get their due, allowing movie-goers to appreciate the crucial role technology in assisting doctors to perfect their skills, increase success rates and ultimately, save more lives.

Several subplots seamlessly interweave into the narrative, adding depth and richness to the film. These moments also serve to remind viewers of the cadre of hardworking nursing teams and training interns who work alongside these top-tier cardiologists, battling time and the relentless pressure of performing in the critical healthcare industry.

At certain points in the film, it's easy to forget that you're viewing a medical documentary — that's the extent of its emotional engagement. It packs enough emotional punch to make you laugh and cry at the same time. All along, however, it manages to maintain a sense of levity and refrain from becoming overly serious or gloomy.

Making Rounds in essence is a tribute to medicine's unsung heroes—the doctors who undertake life-altering decisions every day and often don't get the acknowledgment they deserve. It is a reminder that medical care is as much about humanity as it is about science. It underlines the emotional cost and heightened vulnerability that comes with being a healthcare provider while stressing the satisfaction and fulfillment derived from healing others.

This film is valuable to anyone wanting to understand the inner workings of a hospital and the dynamics of the patient-doctor relationship. It's a must-see for medical students aiming to grasp the real-world application of their medical knowledge, and for patients looking for an inside look at the world of healthcare.

In closing, Making Rounds is an enlightening tour-de-force that tackles the healthcare system without being overly critical, scientifical, or pessimistic. It's a celebration of passion, commitment, and dedication in a field that's often relegated to tales of doom and despair. The movie elevates medical science cinema through its thoughtful and sensitive portrayal of doctor-patient relationships, making it a unique and powerful viewing experience.