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Tim Adamson
  1. Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine Associates, 225 Baldwin Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina - 28204, USA

Correspondence Address:
Tim Adamson
Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine Associates, 225 Baldwin Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina - 28204, USA

DOI:

Copyright: © 2016 Surgical Neurology International This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 License, which allows others to remix, tweak, and build upon the work non-commercially, as long as the author is credited and the new creations are licensed under the identical terms.

How to cite this article: Adamson T. M. Gazi Yasargil: Father of Modern Neurosurgery. Surg Neurol Int 10-May-2016;7:56

How to cite this URL: Adamson T. M. Gazi Yasargil: Father of Modern Neurosurgery. Surg Neurol Int 10-May-2016;7:56. Available from: http://surgicalneurologyint.com/surgicalint_articles/m-gazi-yasargil-father-of-modern-neurosurgery/

Date of Submission
14-Mar-2016

Date of Acceptance
07-Apr-2016

Date of Web Publication
10-May-2016

 

“M. Gazi Yasargil: Father of Modern Neurosurgery” details the history of neurosurgery from the 1960s through the end of the 20th century. By the late 1980s, the groundswell of change inspired by Professor Yasargil began to peak on the wings of an altogether new way to treat aneurysms, vascular malformations, and other complex pathologies. Simultaneously, those committed to the steep learning curve required by “microtechniques,” virtually all within a decade of their residencies, supplanted the old guard as the superstars of neurosurgery. Surgical morbidity and mortality tumbled to astonishingly new lows.

Studying under Yasargil for a year in Zurich, also in the late 1980s, I had a front row seat from which to witness the changes. With daily access to Yasargil in the operating theater, the animal laboratory, the clinic, and even in his home from time to time, I learned in countless ways. His legendary technical brilliance was never lost on me, and I also benefitted from his stunning generosity and kindness, while at the same time witnessed the stormy volatility pent up within him whenever danger, distractions, or uncertainty lurked. It was a small price to pay. Being in his presence truly enhanced my life.

Author Larry Rogers, himself a former microvascular neurosurgeon introduced to the art by Yasargil, provides the reader access to the character and nuance of this brilliant, complex man. He describes the tragedy of Yasargil's humble birth in the outlaw aftermath of the Atatürk revolution in Turkey following World War I, plus the harrowing experiences young Yasargil endured as a medical student in Nazi Germany during World War II. Each experience forged an aspect of his character.

Reading this book has given me a new perspective on my life during my training and beyond. It will be of interest not only to neurosurgeons young and not so young, but to anyone seeking to understand a truly committed brain surgeon and his work. Anyone searching for an inspiring biography of a complex genius will be pleased with “M. Gazi Yasargil: Father of Modern Neurosurgery.”

Go to www.yasargil-bio.com or amazon.com for additional information or to purchase.

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