Standing Tall - Tapa blanda

For so many of us, it can be difficult even to imagine what it must take to be a surgeon—to be willing and able to open up the human body, manipulate the delicate internal systems, and repair what ails someone. Now imagine that as a young medical student, you decide to embark on a medical path that is as yet virtually unknown within the field: neuro-spinal surgery.In the days when Dr. P. S. Ramani was beginning his medical career, something clicked within him that drove him to embark on this "path less traveled"—and to ultimately become one of the most innovative and respected neuro-spinal surgeons in the world.Here in Standing Tall, Ramani shares with us the intimate details of his life; his education and residencies; and the dedication, determination, and professional development that helped him achieve his goals.From his earliest days in the remote Indian village in Wadi, Goa, Ramani faced obstacles—in separating from his beloved mother, Aai; in attaining housing and school books; and even in overcoming his initial fear of corpses. While many in his field pursued their degrees with aspirations of wealth and status, Ramani undertook his path specifically to increase his knowledge and ultimately take those skills back to the people of his hometown. His drive to succeed for his countrymen and the joy of sharing his knowledge with other students and physicians provided the ultimate fulfillment and satisfaction in his life.Ramani saw the ability to eliminate the pain of ailing people as a service to God. In this selfless, patient-directed approach, he found that he did not just practice medicine but he lived and enjoyed it. This is his remarkable story.

Dr. P. S. Ramani is among the most eminent neuro-spinal surgeons in the world. In a career spanning more than forty years, his remarkable achievements represent an outstanding contribution, especially the innovative surgical techniques he discovered for spinal surgery. He has authored numerous medical textbooks, manuals for postgraduate doctors, and CDs on advanced techniques in spinal surgery, including three award-winning books.Chairman of the Spine Committee of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies, Ramani holds many additional posts, including president of the Neuro Spinal Surgeons Foundation – India, member and president of Goa Hindu Association, and advisor for Gomantak Seva Sangh. He has earned degrees from the University of Mumbai, India, and the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, and pursued additional training in neuro and spinal surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons, London; microneurosurgery in Vermont, USA; and spinal surgery at Temple University, Pennsylvania, USA. In addition to his career, he enjoys jogging (and running half marathons), hiking, photography, music, reading, and soccer.