Oliver Sacks

Oliver Sacks
Sacks at the 2009 Brooklyn Book Festival
Born	Oliver Wolf Sacks (1933-07-09)9 July 1933 London, England
Died	30 August 2015(2015-08-30) (aged 82) New York City, U.S.
Occupation	Physician, Neurologist
Known for	Popular books containing case studies of some of his patients

Oliver Wolf Sacks, CBE (9 July 1933 – 30 August 2015) was an esteemed British neurologist, prolific author, and amateur chemist who significantly contributed to the field of neurology. He served as a Professor of Neurology at the New York University School of Medicine. Sacks' life and work have profoundly influenced both scientific and cultural landscapes, with his book "Awakenings" forming the basis for a 1990 film of the same name, where his character was portrayed by Robin Williams.

Early Life and Education

Oliver Sacks was born on 9 July 1933 in London, England, into a Jewish family. His early education occurred at St Paul's School, after which he pursued his collegiate studies at Queen's College, Cambridge. He furthered his education at Oxford University, where he cultivated his lifelong interest in neurology.

Career and Contributions

Sacks' career was marked by significant contributions to neurology and literature alike. His observations and insights on various neurological conditions, depicted through a blend of clinical reportage and humanistic observation, have provided invaluable perspectives on the human experience of neurological disorders. His role as a Professor of Neurology at the New York University School of Medicine allowed him to share his knowledge with aspiring medical professionals.

Personal Life

In his 2015 autobiography "On the Move: A Life," Sacks publicly addressed his homosexuality for the first time, highlighting his journey of self-discovery and acceptance. His personal narratives often underscored his belief in the inherent dignity of all individuals, regardless of their neurological conditions or personal identities.

Illness and Death

In January 2015, Sacks was diagnosed with terminal melanoma and liver cancer. His health declined over the following months, and he died on 30 August 2015 at his home in New York City. He was 82 years old.

Legacy

Oliver Sacks left an indelible mark on the field of neurology and beyond. His empathetic approach to patient care and his ability to convey the human experience of living with neurological disorders have profoundly influenced how these conditions are understood and approached in medical and societal contexts.

Selected Works

Some of Sacks' most influential works include:

• "Awakenings" (1973)
• "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat" (1985)
• "Seeing Voices" (1989)
• "An Anthropologist on Mars" (1995)
• "Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain" (2007)
• "On the Move: A Life" (2015)

References

• [1] Sacks, O. (2015). On the Move: A Life. Knopf.
• [2] Sacks, O. (1990). Awakenings. Vintage Books.
• [3] Obituary: Oliver Sacks. (2015, August 31). The Guardian.

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