Book Review: Some Days You Can’t Save Them All by Dr. Ronnie Baticulon
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to be a doctor—beyond the glamour and heroism often portrayed in movies—Some Days You Can’t Save Them All by Ronnie Baticulon is a must-read. It’s an insightful, deeply human collection of essays that offers a raw and honest look at the emotional side of medicine.
As a doctor, Baticulon navigates the highs and lows of the profession, but the real gem of this book is how it explores the unspoken emotional weight of healthcare. The title itself sums up one of the core themes: sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you can’t save everyone. And it’s something Baticulon talks about with such candor that you can’t help but feel the vulnerability of the experience.
The book is divided into reflective essays, and Baticulon doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff. He shares personal stories of failure, doubt, and moments where medicine doesn’t have a perfect answer. But it’s not just about the tough moments; it’s about the quiet resilience and moments of grace that make the journey worthwhile.
What stands out to me is how Baticulon blends the personal with the professional. He shares his own moments of self-reflection, struggles with burnout, and how he has learned to cope with the emotional rollercoaster of being a healer. It’s these personal stories that will resonate with anyone who’s ever faced the difficult reality of having to make tough decisions, in or outside of healthcare.
On a practical level, it’s a book that makes you appreciate the unseen emotional labor in every profession, especially one as high-stakes as medicine. It also serves as a reminder that, no matter how skilled or dedicated you are, there are always days when things are simply out of your control—and that’s okay.
For anyone interested in personal growth, resilience, or understanding the emotional side of high-pressure professions, Some Days You Can’t Save Them All is a powerful, thoughtful read. It’s not a feel-good book, but it’s an honest one, and sometimes that’s exactly what we need.
