BIO ~ Michael M. Meguid MD
Author, Great Joys and Great Sorrows”
Great Joys, Great Sorrows is the fourth volume in Michael M. Meguid’s sweeping autobiographical series,
A Surgeon’s Tale, chronicling his transformation from a young, idealistic immigrant doctor into a fully trained surgeon within the crucible of Harvard’s elite hospital system in the early 1970s.
Blending personal memoir, medical history, surgical drama, and cultural observation, the book offers an unflinching, deeply human account of the physical, emotional, and ethical trials of surgical residency in an era defined by 110hour workweeks, rigid hierarchies, and Darwinian expectations.
The narrative begins with Meguid’s and his wife Victoria’s transatlantic journey from London to Boston in 1970, carrying only their medical training, two steamer trunks, and $48.
Their marriage—already strained from separate internships and cultural stresses—faces new challenges as they adapt to American life with no support system, limited funds, and grueling medical schedules.
The rest is fascinating.
Successful on myriad levels, this eloquently scribed book will entertain and inspire the general reading audience – and should become required reading for medical students, interns, residents, and all surgeons. A medical and philosophical treasure! – Grady Harp, MD, Amazon Top 100 Hall of Fame Reviewer, 5-Stars
Dr. Meguid—born and raised in Egypt and Germany and educated in London—vividly recounts his immersion into the demanding world of American hospitals, where long workweeks were the norm. Meguid details his rotations through various specialties such as orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery, openly sharing both his professional successes and the deep emotional impact of surgical errors and patient deaths. Beyond his professional life, Meguid also talks about his personal experiences as an immigrant balancing a demanding career with cultural adaptation and family life.
Told in fascinating detail, which strikes just the right balance between technical medical language and easy-to-understand narrative, the book is a compelling look at Dr. Meguid’s early years, when he was training as a surgical resident in Boston. – John J. Kelly, Detroit Free Press
“I want readers to see that life, despite its challenges, is also full of beauty, compassion, and purpose,” Dr. Meguid says. “My message is straightforward: live completely, face adversity with courage, and maintain kindness. The lessons of A Surgeon’s Tale focus on endurance, integrity, and the healing power of love.”
With great humor and a prose style as exacting as a surgeon’s scalpel, Meguid paints portraits of the titans and superheroes who taught, sculpted, and mentored a generation of Boston’s surgeons. – NY Review
Dr. Meguid’s captivating storytelling seamlessly blends vivid recollections with sharp, honest reflections, offering an intimate and often emotional glimpse into the world of medicine. Complete with photos and quotations to complement the narrative, it’s perfect for readers fascinated by doctor memoirs and personal growth narratives. Ultimately, Great Joys, Great Sorrows is a testament to resilience, the enduring pursuit of knowledge, and the deeply humanistic core of medical practice.
With candor and elegance, Great Joys, Great Sorrows invites readers to walk the sterile halls of Harvard’s hospitals and feel the weight of a young immigrant surgeon’s journey. – Literary Digest
