One by One by One

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Dr. Aaron Berkowitz, fresh from his neurology training, embarks on his first assignment with Partners In Health in Haiti. There, he encounters Janel, a 23-year-old man suffering from an enormous brain tumor, the largest Berkowitz or his Harvard colleagues have ever seen. Committed to the mission of delivering modern medical care to those in dire need, Berkowitz endeavors to save Janel's life by arranging a complex 12-hour surgery in Boston. In his narrative, Berkowitz reflects on his experiences as a young doctor attempting to connect the disparities between affluent and impoverished nations while striving for his first significant medical achievement. The journey takes them between the advanced surgical facilities of Harvard and Janel's humble home in rural Haiti, fraught with emotional challenges. After the initial surgery, Janel remains in a coma for months, raising doubts about his recovery and ability to return home. He endures multiple surgeries, facing numerous obstacles along the way. Berkowitz invites readers into the complexities of global humanitarian efforts, illustrating the difficulties that arise from well-intentioned actions, cultural differences, and the moral dilemmas inherent in medical practice.