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Everything That Makes Us Human
- Narrated by: Selva Rasalingam
- Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Biographies & Memoirs, Professionals & Academics
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Summary
There are two ways to open a child's head. The pretty way and the quick way. Usually I shave the hair, use a scalpel to nick the skain then apply an electro-cautery device to burn down to bone level. It's a slow, precise method and it leaves almost no scarring. But it takes time. Time, the interminable single note of the heart monitor reminds me, I don't have.
Jay Jayamohan makes life and death decisions on a daily basis. That's because he's a Consultant Paediatric Neurosurgeon in a busy Oxford hospital. Every day, parents put all their faith in him to make their sick children well again. Though he is proud of his successes, he is haunted by every failure. Jayamohan is known not only for his skill in surgery but also his human touch: to him, no patient is only a number.
In this gripping and sometimes heartrending book, Jayamohan - who has featured in two highly acclaimed BBC fly-on-the-wall series following the work of neurosurgeons - brings the highs and lows of the operating theatre into vivid life. Beginning with his struggles as an Asian growing up in 1970s Britain, he chronicles his early days as a medical student and spans decades of extraordinary activity, drawing on case studies from various aspects of his career: not all of which have happy endings.
Jayamohan describes how he found the strength to keep going despite terrible setbacks: no matter how many times he is knocked down, he always gets up again to face the next challenge.
Everything That Makes Us Human is a pacy, gripping account of Jayamohan's life and work. He pulls no punches and owns his mistakes, but the complete picture is one of a man driven to save as many lives as possible.
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What listeners say about Everything That Makes Us Human
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Sarah Faherty
- 24-06-20
An interesting & insightful read
A great book, well written for anyone with an interest in medicine, inspiring & honest & at times heart breaking but left me in more awe than ever of our incredible NHS.
I was a little put off at points by the surgeon's 'god complex' & command for respect but I guess it comes with the territory!
Overall a worthwhile read
3 people found this helpful
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- Miss A L Stephens
- 26-04-22
Poignant, honest, beautiful
Firstly this is so well read, so listenable. The stories are uplifting and sad, happy, devastating and yet not uncomfortable to listen to. In a fast world consumed by the unnecessary the stories in this book what really matters. I defy anyone to listen to this book and not cry! Read without mascara.
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- MR STUART A BARROW
- 02-09-21
WOW. Tears in parts but a superb read
An incredible book I purchased after meeting Dr Jay and his Team in Oxford recently. An excellent read with teary bits as the reality of my family living similar experiences to parts told. Thank You for writing this book, really enjoyed.
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- Klarissa
- 22-02-21
this book is a must!
I loved this book trying to make space in my day when I could listen to it. so insightful and we'll written.
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- Boko
- 23-11-20
Thoughtful
A very interesting book, particularly if you are keen on medical issues.
One has to take the rough with the smooth though, so be prepared.
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- Anonymous User
- 16-07-20
Moving, really moving
Amazing! Great dept to Jay's stories and he delivered it so well! Jay is a really amazing person
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- Client d'Amazon
- 02-05-20
Awesome
I wish there another book by this author I couldn’t put it down!! Fantastic and real but also humble
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- Bamboo
- 22-04-20
wow! honest, truthful, and touching
A powerful insight to the hard work of those heros who do such an amazing job..its more then a job to them..I cried. Many times. I finished it in 24 hours. I think people tend to forget these heros are human too. thank you for everything you do.
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- j a naylor
- 18-03-20
Stunning.
Brilliantly written, full of heart wrenching and also uplifting moments. Really makes you consider how precious life is.
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- Rudy Lie
- 14-04-21
Superb!
What a book by Dr. Jayamohan.. And equally excellent narration by Selva. A life of a pediatric neurosurgeon, delivered in such a moving way from the start till the end.