Oliver Sacks remains my hero to this day. He was one of the first medical writers I read. The other was Lewis Thomas, who is no longer alive but is just heroic to me.

The quote by Atul Gawande highlights the profound influence of Oliver Sacks and Lewis Thomas on his development as a medical writer and thinker. Gawande refers to Sacks as his hero, emphasizing admiration for Sacks’ ability to combine medical knowledge with compassionate storytelling. This admiration reflects how impactful reading thoughtful medical narratives can be for shaping one’s own approach to medicine and writing.

Gawande also acknowledges Lewis Thomas, noting that although Thomas is no longer alive, he remains heroic in Gawande’s eyes. Both Sacks and Thomas are recognized for their skill in translating complex scientific and medical concepts into accessible language, inspiring both the public and professionals in the field. Their work demonstrates how medicine can be approached with curiosity, humanity, and eloquence.

The origin of this quote comes from Gawande’s reflections as a surgeon, public health researcher, and writer, who has often spoken about the mentors and influences that shaped his thinking. By citing these two authors, Gawande emphasizes the value of reading and learning from exemplary figures in the field of medical literature.

Overall, the quote underscores the importance of inspiration and mentorship in the medical profession. Gawande illustrates that influential writers like Sacks and Thomas not only convey knowledge but also model a way of approaching medicine with empathy, insight, and narrative skill, leaving a lasting impact on those who follow in their footsteps.