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In this short memoir, Yurvati, an internationally recognized surgeon, writes candidly about both his personal and professional life. Creatively using the ancient Greek Fates who weave the fabric of one’s life to control the destinies of mortals as a metaphor for life events, he tells of a successful career in which he has received numerous awards as a leader in his field. In his introduction, the author states, “Life is a precious adventure that we are privileged to experience. But it comes with multiple variables, many beyond our control.”
As Yurvati’s life story emerges, it seems he is living a charmed life: success in his career, national and international recognition, and marriage with his soul mate. However, when his wife is diagnosed with cancer and then endures a stroke, the couple must deal with her treatment and recovery. Then, a freak accident causes Yurvati to experience a great deal of pain, which leads him to an MRI and the diagnosis of cancer. The Fates had created unexpected and traumatic events, which led the author into unfamiliar territory as caregiver turned patient. But this is not a memoir that delves into the darkness of disease and limitation. Instead, Yurvati has expertly crafted a story of perseverance and dedication. As the author states, “Above all, you will find here a love story—one peppered with detours and achievements and lives saved, perseverance and triumphs, crushing diagnoses, and beat-the-odds rallies.” It is a testament to the human spirit.
Yurvati writes in a conversational tone, incorporating humor into even the most dire of situations. His love of his wife and career is apparent in his writing, as is his ability to overcome debilitating news. Readers will find themselves believing they know the writer intimately as they read his account of his life up to this point. At an age when most people would consider complete retirement, he admirably keeps busy by teaching and giving back to his community and the world through philanthropic adventures. The narrative clearly shows that the author’s energy seems to know no bounds, even after dealing with his wife’s illness and his own cancer diagnosis. He writes engagingly about an extraordinary life experience that takes him from humble beginnings to the height of his career.
For example, as the recipient of numerous awards, Yurvati has achieved both national and international recognition in his field of cardiothoracic-vascular surgery. He “is a 1986 graduate of the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in the University of North Texas Health Science Center.” He holds a Ph.D. in education from Northcentral University, where his concentration was organizational leadership, and a graduate certificate in teaching and adult learning from the University of North Texas Toulouse School of Education. Today he is “a tenured DSWOP professor of surgery and chair of the Department of Medical Education at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and a professor of integrative physiology in the Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease. He serves as a visiting professor at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland, in the Department of Biomedical Engineering.”
Yurvati’s life story, which is still going strong with another book and continued work, is a testament to his spirit. He offers readers not only the story of a fascinating life but also a model of how one can overcome even the hardest obstacles with humor and humility. It is a story worth reading and inspires all to work hard to accomplish goals and rise above life’s circumstances.