Abraham Verghese

Dr Abraham Verghese in 2023 06

Abraham Verghese is an Ethiopian-born American physician-author, Professor for the Theory and Practice of Medicine at Stanford University Medical School, and a prominent figure in the field of medicine and literature. He is best known for his work in advocating the importance of physical examination and bedside manners in the practice of medicine, as well as for his contributions to medical humanities.

Early Life and Education

Abraham Verghese was born in 1955 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to Indian parents. His family moved to the United States due to the Ethiopian civil unrest. Verghese pursued his medical education at Madras Medical College in Chennai, India, before moving to the United States for his residency. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at East Tennessee State University's Quillen College of Medicine and later obtained a fellowship in Infectious Diseases from Boston University School of Medicine.

Career

Verghese's medical career is distinguished by his focus on patient care, particularly the dying art of bedside diagnosis and the physical examination. He has been a vocal critic of what he perceives as the over-reliance on technology in medicine at the expense of direct patient care. His experiences as a young doctor during the early days of the AIDS epidemic in rural Tennessee and later in El Paso, Texas, profoundly influenced his outlook on medicine and the importance of empathy in patient care.

In addition to his medical practice, Verghese has made significant contributions to literature. He is the author of several highly acclaimed books, including "My Own Country: A Doctor's Story," which details his experiences treating AIDS patients in rural Tennessee. The book was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award and was made into a movie. His other works include "The Tennis Partner," a memoir about his friendship with a medical resident and tennis partner who struggled with drug addiction, and "Cutting for Stone," a novel that spans across India and Ethiopia and explores themes of family, medicine, and identity.

Teaching and Advocacy

At Stanford University, Verghese has been instrumental in integrating the humanities into medical education, advocating for a more compassionate and holistic approach to healthcare. He has received numerous accolades for his teaching and has been invited to speak at various national and international forums on the importance of bedside manners and the physical examination in medical practice.

Awards and Recognition

Abraham Verghese has received several awards for his contributions to medicine and literature, including the National Humanities Medal, which was awarded to him by President Barack Obama in 2015. He is also a recipient of the Heinz Award for Arts and Humanities and has been elected to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies.

Bibliography

• My Own Country: A Doctor's Story (1994)
• The Tennis Partner (1998)
• Cutting for Stone (2009)

Personal Life

Verghese is married and has two sons. He continues to practice medicine, teach, and write from his base at Stanford University in California.