Journal of a Neurosurgeon

By Edgar A. Kahn

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0398023255
• ISBN13: 9780398023256
• Release Date: January 1972
• Publisher: Thomas
• Length: 172 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.

Customer Reviews

the life of a pioneer neurosurgeon

This little book tells the story of the first resident in Neurosurgery at the University of Michigan Hospital. Edgar Kahn was the son of a wealthy architect and was encouraged by his father to follow him in his profession. Instead, Kahn chose medicine and, ultimately, neurosurgery a new surgical specialty fraught with depressing results and long hours. He became the chief of the Neurosurgery service, served in World War II and inspired many younger men over the years. The other thing that makes this book so interesting is its association with Magnificent Obsession by Lloyd C. Douglas - 1957 International Collectors Library Edition, a novel written in 1929 but still of interest to physicians and others interested in the story. Douglas, pastor of a church in Ann Arbor Michigan, writes of a rich young man who, after several adventures, decides to enter medicine and then neurosurgery. Part of the novel concerns a religious theme in which good works, performed in secret with no expectation of being repaid, result in accomplishments supplied by a Supreme Being. Two rather dopey movies were made from the novel and it enjoyed wide popularity in the 1930s and 40s. It is still in print. The interesting association is that the hero of the novel, Bobby Merrick, is a fictional portrayal of Dr. Kahn. A biography of Dr. Kahn in the journal of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons discusses the association. "Magnificent Obsession was written by the Rev. Lloyd C. Douglas, the well-known author of The Robe. He was the minister at the Congregation Church in Ann Arbor, Mich., which is only a few blocks from the University Hospital. It has always been a poorly kept secret in Michigan that Edgar A. Kahn, MD, was the neurosurgical inspiration for Magnificent Obsession. The novel tells the story of Bobby Merrick, a neurosurgeon who is given the secret journal of his mentor that contains the magic formula for success. The journal is written in code, which is miraculously solved by the young neurosurgeon. He learns of a "particular investment of himself as a high altruism." Dr. Merrick finds that fulfillment is best achieved by providing secret service for others. He experiences the joy of doing wonderful things for people in need. He requires secrecy and suggests, if possible, the good deed be passed on to someone else in need. Douglas preaches a very religious sermon with this novel. In addition, to the main theme of this book, there is a lot of romance thrown in. Magnificent Obsession was made into a movie starring Rock Hudson as Dr. Kahn. It strongly emphasized the romantic side of the story more than the neurosurgeon's obsession with giving of himself to others. Dr. Kahn was my hero and he made me a neurosurgeon. It has always been my goal to emulate Dr. Kahn in my practice of neurosurgery. He certainly passed on his magnificent obsession to all of his residents. We were amazed at his ability to give of himself to his patients. Even when Dr. Kahn rea