One by One by One: Making a Small Difference Amid a Billion Problems

Neurologist Berkowitz (founding director, neurology, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson Sch. of Medicine) writes an honest, moving portrait of the joys, complexities, tragedies, and teamwork he encountered while working with patients in developing nations. Much of his experiences were in rural Haiti, where he worked to bring patients with varying neurological conditions to the U.S. Berkowitz addresses the cultural, legal, and medical obstacles that health and humanitarian organizations and individuals must overcome. He talks at length about the various patients that he and members of Partners in Health, a global health organization focused on “restoring social justice by bringing quality health care to the most vulnerable around the world” brought to Boston for surgery, including updates on their lives after treatment. Throughout, the author admires the spirit of the people he encounters. He also sheds light on disparities in health care worldwide and what they mean for people with complex medical issues.