Mountains Beyond Mountains – The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, A Man Who Would Cure the World

by Tracy Kidder

“One is tempted to call Paul Farmer’s passionate sensibilities and loving ambitions otherworldly, but only in sadness that there are far too few of him in the world.”

-         Bob Shacochis, author

This inspiring book tells the true story of Paul Farmer. Doctor, Harvard professor, the recipient of a MacArthur genius grant, world-class Robin Hood, Farmer was brought up in a bus and on a boat, and in medical school found his life’s calling: to diagnose and cure infectious diseases and to bring the lifesaving tools of modern medicine to those who need them most.

What spoke to me was his conviction that “the only real nation is humanity” and his inability to turn his back on the suffering in the world. The book also shows time and time again how radical change can be fostered in situations that seem insurmountable and underscores the difference one person can make. Paul Farmer criss-crosses the planet, from Boston to Haiti, Peru, Cuba and Russia changing minds and practices that ultimately benefit all of humankind.

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Comments

[Bill Mitchel]

What I found inspiring about this book was Paul Farmers love for the Hatians and for Haiti. It was also interesting to see the impact of Haiti's politics on healthcare and the welfare of the people.

The work his organization did in Peru on drug resistant TB was also fascinating. One of my favorite quotes from the book and I'll get it wrong was, "At Mass General we have the best treatment facility in the world for TB there is only one thing missing, TB)

[dr dre beats headphones]

so good!