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Everything That Makes Us Human cover art

Everything That Makes Us Human

By: Jay Jayamohan
Narrated by: Selva Rasalingam
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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.

©2015 Michael O’Mara Books Limited (P)2020 Audible, Ltd

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What listeners say about Everything That Makes Us Human

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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

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6 people found this helpful

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A superb listen.

A fascinating glimpse into the world of a paediatric neurosurgeon. Some truly difficult case stories underwritten with humour and love. The only regret for me is that Jay didn’t narrate it himself. I think that would have added to the overall impact. Not to say that Selva did a bad job- far from it, he’s outstanding. Even if perhaps the preface cam from Jay himself might have added that dash of personality to a cracking listen. 5 stars.

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4 people found this helpful

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truly inspiring and humbled

what a fantastic depiction of a truly heroic yet humble consultant and human being.

the perfect mix of medical and human material with excellent narration

this book should serve to remind us all to truly value every second with your children and forget about the complete nonsense that we get angry and frustrated about.

thank you for sharing this with us

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2 people found this helpful

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Brilliant, wish it went on forever

I absolutely loved this book, I have a ex prem 29weeker who has had more than his fair share of surgery and this book was so honest and really gave the 'other side' of the story. I hope there are more to follow

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An interesting insight into a surgeon's world!

I certainly couldn't handle his job!! I hope that all surgeons have a similar attitude to their work!

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Interesting read

Enjoyed this book.Narration was great, the author was humble & a very interesting book.Dedicated to his job & it came across in the way he wrote of the stories of his career.

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Outstanding

The NHS and the public are honoured to have drs like you! Thank you for your service! Thank you for sharing your journey!

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What's the difference between God & surgeon?

We've all heard the old joke 'What's the difference between God & surgeon? God doesn't think he's a surgeon.'

There's certainly an element of that in this book, but for the first time, I really understood how it must feel to have a person's life or death in your hands, & it went a long way in making that ever elusive & seemingly arrogant surgeon seem human like the rest of us.

A great listen, covering some fascinating cases.


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What an insight, with great narration

A beautiful insight into an amazing field of medicine with captivating narration throughout. Great listen

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An interesting and informative book.

I loved it. I was taken on a journey through the eyes of the surgeon. A rare experience.

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