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Becoming Dr. Q: My Journey from Migrant Farm Worker to Brain Surgeon
Today he is known as Dr. Q, an internationally renowned neurosurgeon and neuroscientist who leads cutting-edge research to cure brain cancer. But not too long ago, he was Freddy, a nineteen-year-old undocumented migrant worker toiling in the tomato fields of central California. In this gripping memoir, Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa tells his amazing life story―from his impoverished childhood in the tiny village of Palaco, Mexico, to his harrowing border crossing and his transformation from illegal immigrant to American citizen and gifted student at the University of California at Berkeley and at Harvard Medical School. Packed with adventure and adversity―including a few terrifying brushes with death― Becoming Dr. Q is a testament to persistence, hard work, the power of hope and imagination, and the pursuit of excellence. It’s also a story about the importance of family, of mentors, and of giving people a chance.
328 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2011
179 people are currently reading
1702 people want to read
About the author
Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa
18 books24 followersAlfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa (also known as "Dr. Q") is a physician, author, and researcher. He practices neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital and runs a basic science research lab out of Johns Hopkins Hospital. Quiñones is Director of the Brain Tumor Surgery Program at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Director of the Pituitary Surgery Program at Johns Hopkins Hospital and the Director of the Brain Tumor Stem Cell Laboratory at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. In addition to being a professor of neurosurgery, neuroscience, oncology, and cellular and molecular medicine, Quiñones is also the author of the newly released book, Becoming Dr Q. The photograph of Dr.Quinones has been taken by Luis Delfín /Quo magazine/ Mexico.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
March 7, 2025
Aghast is an understatement while reading about “Dr. Q.” The odds of someone scraping fish lard then attending Harvard Medical School are incogitable. Erudition is within “Becoming Dr. Q” delineating the social construct of race or is it perhaps (as a physician confided to me) an invisible boot drowning brilliance?
“My dying patient---the stark beauty of his emerald green eyes against his dark brown skin---would never be able to tell me about his life’s journey...with the same brain as every other human being in the world.”
--- Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa, MD
Neurosurgery has always enchanted me. Since my fourth-grade brain tumor report, then traveling, learning from large ego/high IQ surgeons directing me toward the light—as I was gasping for air in a vernix-like malignancy. Dr. Quinones is not the first specialist to change his name---for patients or the cream-colored microcosm of medicine.
From the tomato field to UC Berkeley, Harvard Medical School and then morphing like “Kaliman” into being a world renown brain surgeon at John Hopkins in Baltimore. Inventing (while in Mexico) a land call “Faraway” and “jumping the fence” at the border are the ingredients for a “film worthy” biography. Must read, get ready to cry/cringe.
“My dying patient---the stark beauty of his emerald green eyes against his dark brown skin---would never be able to tell me about his life’s journey...with the same brain as every other human being in the world.”
--- Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa, MD
Neurosurgery has always enchanted me. Since my fourth-grade brain tumor report, then traveling, learning from large ego/high IQ surgeons directing me toward the light—as I was gasping for air in a vernix-like malignancy. Dr. Quinones is not the first specialist to change his name---for patients or the cream-colored microcosm of medicine.
From the tomato field to UC Berkeley, Harvard Medical School and then morphing like “Kaliman” into being a world renown brain surgeon at John Hopkins in Baltimore. Inventing (while in Mexico) a land call “Faraway” and “jumping the fence” at the border are the ingredients for a “film worthy” biography. Must read, get ready to cry/cringe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2012
I was so excited to read this. Dr. Quinones was my neighbor and I even babysat his kids only a few years ago. I just happened to stumble upon it in the library. It was fun reading someone's story that I actually know!Dr Quinones really is a genuinely warm, positive and kind person. It is amazing to see where he came from to know him today and see where he is. Very inspiring!
September 29, 2011
I think Dr. Quiñones-Hinojosa is an amazing person, and not just because we share a last name. His story is really one-of-a-kind. No one claims he's the best doctor in the country, but it's doubtful that any brain surgeon started from humbler beginnings. I much preferred the second half of the book, when he follows his educational path through medical school and residency. At times, the anecdotal style reminded me of Dr. Emily Transue's or Dr. Atul Gawande's, in a good way. The first half was hard to stomach, though, with its cheesy proclamations. You've heard it before: "As I gazed up at the stars and meteors that filled the night sky, I knew that, even though I was only five years old, someday I would blaze my own path through the Universe, and I had the twinkling lights of my family to guide me on my journey through the darkness." That's a paraphrase, not a direct quote, but that sort of saccharine overstatement detracts from the enjoyment of what can't help but be an impressive story. Maybe we can blame it on the co-author? Anyway, if you have any interest in medicine or immigration or Latinos, check this one out. It's an unforgettable story.
May 30, 2013
This is one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. I am going to order several copies and have it available for my high school biology students to read. I also intend to read passages in my classroom.
December 7, 2012
This is the inspiring story of one man's journey from undocumented farm worker to highly respected brain surgeon. Oftentimes when we read about undocumented peoples in the United States, it is in a negative light, and this story shows that when you take away borders/nationality/etc., you just end up with human beings. Yes, sometimes we are left with some unsavory characters, but sometimes we are also blessed with undiscovered talent and potential. With motivation, hard work, kind mentors, and support, Dr. Quiñones-Hinojosa proved to all the nay-sayers that he has what it takes to succeed and thrive in a competitive and challenging field. While doing this, he seems to have maintained a sense of humility and gratitude for those who took a chance on him. This story gets you wondering about all the undiscovered greatness in the world and how much humanity could benefit from seeking out these hidden gems. Opportunity should not only exist for the well off. Imagine what wonderful things might happen if we truly sought to make educational opportunities available far and wide?
March 14, 2014
Interesting autobiography that I think would make a good candidate for my institutions Diversity One City One Book program.
I wish I had Dr. Q's drive and energy, not to mention his sense of perspective.
I wish I had Dr. Q's drive and energy, not to mention his sense of perspective.
September 29, 2015
Inspiring, positive and a great story of perseverance and drive, it was just a bit too introspectively happy, happy, happy, happy, happy.....
February 15, 2012
This was a very interesting book. The author's tone is relentlessly cheery and positive, to the point where it sometimes seemed hard to believe anyone could really be like that, but that attitude and the undertone of obsession that runs through this story explains how a boy raised in a shack could transform himself from an illegal immigrant supporting himself as a migrant worker into a top brain surgeon associated with one of the top medical schools in the world.
I was particularly struck by the emphasis that Quinones puts on empathy with patients since my many experiences with doctors have been completely devoid of any trace of it, even when my mom was dying an ugly death.
There is much more depth here than you will find in the "made for TV" version of this kind of inspiring story. I found the medical issues covered to a degree that gave me a feel for what Dr. Q actually does from day to day.
OTOH, I did occasionally wonder about what his wife's version of the story might read like. Dr. Q is frank about not giving his family the time and attention they deserve, but portrays his wife pretty much as a perfect plaster saint without any personality of her own. That he continually expected her to give up any hope of her own career, and tore her away from her friends and family support as soon as he finished his residency without being able to give her and their children any more of his time and attention did bother me. But having grown up with parents who were both professionals in a hospital, I already had a pretty good idea that that was what surgeons were all about. Definitely not men you marry if you want a husband who is actually there.
I was particularly struck by the emphasis that Quinones puts on empathy with patients since my many experiences with doctors have been completely devoid of any trace of it, even when my mom was dying an ugly death.
There is much more depth here than you will find in the "made for TV" version of this kind of inspiring story. I found the medical issues covered to a degree that gave me a feel for what Dr. Q actually does from day to day.
OTOH, I did occasionally wonder about what his wife's version of the story might read like. Dr. Q is frank about not giving his family the time and attention they deserve, but portrays his wife pretty much as a perfect plaster saint without any personality of her own. That he continually expected her to give up any hope of her own career, and tore her away from her friends and family support as soon as he finished his residency without being able to give her and their children any more of his time and attention did bother me. But having grown up with parents who were both professionals in a hospital, I already had a pretty good idea that that was what surgeons were all about. Definitely not men you marry if you want a husband who is actually there.
July 30, 2023
We all want the American Dream to come true even if we don't live in the US. We all have dreams, yet very few of us pursue them. Why? There are many reasons, but mostly because we don´t believe we could be the lucky ones.
Mr. Alfredo was poor and an illegal immigrant on US soil. He was bound to fail, to become a no-one, invisible to everybody. But he became someone. And not just anyone, but had managed to score big time: a great education, great job, and great opportunities to do some good for humankind. Why he became so successful? Probably, because he stubbornly believed in his dream, and never gave up. Of course, having some luck did help as well.
It´s great to see that the American Dream is still possible, though I think our chances are becoming more and more slim with every year passing. Mr. Alfredos' story is inspirational, and it would be great to see more people like him, who want to do some good not only for themselves.
Mr. Alfredo was poor and an illegal immigrant on US soil. He was bound to fail, to become a no-one, invisible to everybody. But he became someone. And not just anyone, but had managed to score big time: a great education, great job, and great opportunities to do some good for humankind. Why he became so successful? Probably, because he stubbornly believed in his dream, and never gave up. Of course, having some luck did help as well.
It´s great to see that the American Dream is still possible, though I think our chances are becoming more and more slim with every year passing. Mr. Alfredos' story is inspirational, and it would be great to see more people like him, who want to do some good not only for themselves.
January 17, 2012
This is an amazing account of a man who overcame great adversity. I don't think I have read a more interesting autobiography. This doctor has an amazing story to tell and he tells it well. You do not need to have any interest in becoming a doctor, immigration or brain surgery to thoroughly enjoy this book. It reminds me of the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness" and definitely deserves to be made into a movie. Great book!
December 2, 2024
I firmly believe that if you want to spend your life doing cool things, you should read lots of books about people doing cool things. This guy is pretty much a badass. I mean, how is it possible to get from being literally a migrant farmworker (not even in the U.S. legally!) to Harvard Medical School, and then to become a famous and accomplished neurosurgeon and researcher? This guy did it. He clawed his way up to get a fantastic life, not only professionally, but also personally. I don't know why I end up reading so many books about doctors and other medical stuff, but I admit I'm sort of hooked on them now.
October 15, 2025
I probably give 5 star ratings too freely but this book was excellent. It kept my attention: learning about a kid from Mexico who went from a migrant farm worker to Harvard Medical School and beyond! He has a lot of crazy experiences, a few of them were serious brushes with death. I enjoyed learning about his family and the whole journey about how he became a world class neurosurgeon. He seems like a very likable person with a great sense of humor. This book would appeal to so many and touches the issues of immigration, race, the American dream, medicine, etc. Highly recommend!
July 2, 2022
3.5 actually,
The one thing that strikes throughout, and at times connects with me also is the intensity with which he does his bread-and-butter thing.
That and NDE, (if you don't know NDE, it's not for you :p).
Also knowing that it's a real story, i felt very hopeful for the future.
Besides that it felt very good to know how his mentors contributed to his growth, part of the time I felt I was there, somewhere beside him.
That's all then!
The one thing that strikes throughout, and at times connects with me also is the intensity with which he does his bread-and-butter thing.
That and NDE, (if you don't know NDE, it's not for you :p).
Also knowing that it's a real story, i felt very hopeful for the future.
Besides that it felt very good to know how his mentors contributed to his growth, part of the time I felt I was there, somewhere beside him.
That's all then!
June 18, 2023
Excellent read. It might be worthy of a second read soon.
January 23, 2019
My daughter read this book for a college class (last year) and loved it. I liked it, but it took me several months to read it. It didn't hold my attention until the middle of the book. I found it hard to stay focused due to the "jumpy" nature of the story. It didn't flow for me & there are times that I found Dr. Q to be both humble and boastful. Though I don't normally like those that sing their praises constantly, I agree that he has ample reason to be proud! He definitely has an incredible story/journey to tell and hopefully will inspire others. I would recommend this book, but to specific audiences.
July 20, 2023
I enjoyed reading his story, but I really disliked his portrayal of nurses. As a surgical nurse who works with neurosurgeons for a living, the implication that we “clean up around them (surgeons)” is frankly offensive. Our jobs are complex and vital to quality patient care, and the implication that we “clean up” is terrible way to express our complex contribution to a patient’s surgical care. Also, this book was VERY long and I found myself losing motivation to finish it.
June 2, 2018
This is an amazing story and Dr. Q is a great inspiration, but I will say toward the end of the book as he really had achieved his dream I started to lose some interest. The book should probably have been cut a bit shorter as the last few chapters seemed repetitive and I honestly didn’t finish it all the way. But overall it’s a great story and one I’ll be sure to share with my students.
May 27, 2020
This book is an excellently-written account of Dr. Q's journey from being a young Mexican boy who came to the USA as a teenager to help support his family to being a celebrated brain surgeon and medical researcher. His drive and willingness to go through hardship are amazing. Obviously highly intelligent, he is also so Type A and hyperactive that even reading about his life made me tired. If he has a fault (besides being almost too humble), it's that he doesn't realize that not everyone can keep his kind of pace.
The first third of the book is about his childhood and early adulthood, before he decided to become a doctor. It provides a good look at what life is like for many people who grow up in Mexico, and for many Mexicans who immigrate to California. It is interesting, and is necessary to the rest of the book, as that is the basis for who he is. Maybe another third is about medical school and internship, and the later part of the book is about his life as a neurosurgeon and researcher, including quite a few stories about patients.
As a doctor, he is very much into having human connections with his patients, to the point of actual family friendships at times. He does not turn his emotions off even though so many people become his patients because of personal tragedy. He also tries to mentor younger doctors and other professionals he works with.
Honestly, he seems almost too good to be true. Except for neglecting his wife and kids, but his wife is a paragon of patience, and eventually he carves out more space in his life for them. The book is not a fast and easy read, but it has substance. Recommended.
The first third of the book is about his childhood and early adulthood, before he decided to become a doctor. It provides a good look at what life is like for many people who grow up in Mexico, and for many Mexicans who immigrate to California. It is interesting, and is necessary to the rest of the book, as that is the basis for who he is. Maybe another third is about medical school and internship, and the later part of the book is about his life as a neurosurgeon and researcher, including quite a few stories about patients.
As a doctor, he is very much into having human connections with his patients, to the point of actual family friendships at times. He does not turn his emotions off even though so many people become his patients because of personal tragedy. He also tries to mentor younger doctors and other professionals he works with.
Honestly, he seems almost too good to be true. Except for neglecting his wife and kids, but his wife is a paragon of patience, and eventually he carves out more space in his life for them. The book is not a fast and easy read, but it has substance. Recommended.
December 9, 2025
Quite interesting--I selected this book because I watched the Netflix documentary and I read a little about this man--Alfredo Quiñonez--and I identified with him about his stories about Kaliman--also a "role model" for me. Interesting how it is we create role models from anything and everything available to us...This book should be a must read for anyone and everyone as it addresses human nature and more importantly, how prevalent are these brain tumors. Something I sure was shocked to find out.
I do have experience with too many relatives; my mom, my grandma--from my mom side and my dad, all of them died of cancer. Interesting how it is Cancer still is one of the deadliest killers nowadays. It reminded me about the book Upstream--we are definitely stuck saving drowning kids when--somehow--we should also be in the look out for the people throwing the kids in the water--upstream.
Interesting how it is that this book also highlights the benefit of opening our (USA) higher education institutions to provide scholarships to them--although, it doesn't seem enough based on his struggling to get through his programs. If it wasn't for his moonlighting--he would not be able to provide for his family.
Some stories sure were hard to read through---as they were quite powerful and sad. I am so glad Alfredo is where his is now--as he is able to help many more people and he seems to really enjoy learning from everything and everyone he encounters.
Strongly recommend this book for everyone--you will love it, for sure. We--my wife and I, sure did.
I do have experience with too many relatives; my mom, my grandma--from my mom side and my dad, all of them died of cancer. Interesting how it is Cancer still is one of the deadliest killers nowadays. It reminded me about the book Upstream--we are definitely stuck saving drowning kids when--somehow--we should also be in the look out for the people throwing the kids in the water--upstream.
Interesting how it is that this book also highlights the benefit of opening our (USA) higher education institutions to provide scholarships to them--although, it doesn't seem enough based on his struggling to get through his programs. If it wasn't for his moonlighting--he would not be able to provide for his family.
Some stories sure were hard to read through---as they were quite powerful and sad. I am so glad Alfredo is where his is now--as he is able to help many more people and he seems to really enjoy learning from everything and everyone he encounters.
Strongly recommend this book for everyone--you will love it, for sure. We--my wife and I, sure did.
August 2, 2023
Becoming Dr. Q: My Journey From Migrant Farm Worker to Brain Surgeon".
Dr Q comes from a poor and humble Mexican immigrant beginnings. He was, in fact, an undocumented immigrant who crossed the border via a fence several times. He had a near close call death experience when he worked as a young man and he fell into a tank. Since then his life was defined by living with sheer focus and a passion to do good. He lost his sister to lack of medical resources for treating dehydration. By a series of events he found his calling into medicine and when a fellow physician pulled him to the neurosurgery operating room there was no turning back. He earned his education from Harvard Medical School and UCSF residency and then became an attending for John Hopkins. He developed a research lab from ground up for brain cancer. His passion to serve people, the fire to live with intention and to follow through with his goals in the field of brain cancer research is amazing. One might say that despite his impoverished background he achieved the pinnacle of success. However, I think that his humble roots enriched him and filled him with gratitude for living in America and giving back. His life gives testament that gratitude goes a long way and may serve as precursor to grit, motivation, self-drive, determination and ultimately achievement. I enjoyed reading this book and I found him to be an inspiration.
http://www.doctorqmd.com
Dr Q comes from a poor and humble Mexican immigrant beginnings. He was, in fact, an undocumented immigrant who crossed the border via a fence several times. He had a near close call death experience when he worked as a young man and he fell into a tank. Since then his life was defined by living with sheer focus and a passion to do good. He lost his sister to lack of medical resources for treating dehydration. By a series of events he found his calling into medicine and when a fellow physician pulled him to the neurosurgery operating room there was no turning back. He earned his education from Harvard Medical School and UCSF residency and then became an attending for John Hopkins. He developed a research lab from ground up for brain cancer. His passion to serve people, the fire to live with intention and to follow through with his goals in the field of brain cancer research is amazing. One might say that despite his impoverished background he achieved the pinnacle of success. However, I think that his humble roots enriched him and filled him with gratitude for living in America and giving back. His life gives testament that gratitude goes a long way and may serve as precursor to grit, motivation, self-drive, determination and ultimately achievement. I enjoyed reading this book and I found him to be an inspiration.
http://www.doctorqmd.com
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2020
I found this book surprisingly enjoyable, considering that autobiographies are likely my least favorite genre. Dr. Q has an amazing story-- that is undeniable. His passion for his career is unparalleled. However, I found this book a little devoid of any more substantive material. It was full of cliches. Nonetheless a page turner. I wonder what his wife's version of this story would be.
I had some trouble reading about how much his wife sacrificed for him. She gave up all hopes of a career of her own, and moved for his job at the one time where she was close to friends and family. His career came above all else, but I wish that he had stayed in California so that she could have the made the choice about where to stay for once. I'm sure he would have done just as well in SF.
The other part that really struck me was his HIV scare. I never considered how easily a physician could contract HIV, and that section really provided me with some insight about that. It also must have been difficult to put his life on hold for one year until he knew for sure that he was HIV negative.
I had some trouble reading about how much his wife sacrificed for him. She gave up all hopes of a career of her own, and moved for his job at the one time where she was close to friends and family. His career came above all else, but I wish that he had stayed in California so that she could have the made the choice about where to stay for once. I'm sure he would have done just as well in SF.
The other part that really struck me was his HIV scare. I never considered how easily a physician could contract HIV, and that section really provided me with some insight about that. It also must have been difficult to put his life on hold for one year until he knew for sure that he was HIV negative.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2024
This memoir is a stirring testament to resilience, ambition, and the power of dreams, resonating deeply with anyone who has faced the complexities of building a life across borders. The author, a doctor with a migration background, narrates his journey with both raw honesty and unwavering optimism. Through each struggle and triumph, he reveals the fortitude it takes to chase one’s dreams despite life’s daunting obstacles.
As someone with a similar background, I found his story profoundly inspiring. His relentless drive to learn, grow, and find purpose struck a powerful chord within me, especially during a time when I’m striving to overcome my own challenges. This book serves as a long-term beacon of hope and motivation, reminding us that perseverance, passion, and self-belief are essential not just to survive, but to thrive and fulfill our potential. It’s a deeply enriching read that will leave an indelible mark on any reader navigating their own path to fulfillment.
As someone with a similar background, I found his story profoundly inspiring. His relentless drive to learn, grow, and find purpose struck a powerful chord within me, especially during a time when I’m striving to overcome my own challenges. This book serves as a long-term beacon of hope and motivation, reminding us that perseverance, passion, and self-belief are essential not just to survive, but to thrive and fulfill our potential. It’s a deeply enriching read that will leave an indelible mark on any reader navigating their own path to fulfillment.
June 29, 2021
La historia de Dr. Q es única en su tipo. Realmente puedes ver todo el esfuerzo que ha puesto por salir adelante y confiar sumamente en su intuición y en sí mismo. Me siento identificado con él en muchísimos aspectos y espero algún día agradecerle por haber plasmado su historia de vida en un libro, puesto que da esperanza de que todo el trabajo del hoy, te rendirá frutos pronto.
En términos de narración: ágil, sin rodeos, puntual en lo que quería rescatar de cada escena de su vida y una cronología clara.
Por último, la edición: aun sabiendo la gran visión de LID Editorial Empresarial, me encontré con varios errores que me hace desconfiar de comprar libros de su editorial en el futuro (errores de ortografía y ¡una página en blanco! fueron constantes).
Un gran libro, escrito por un gran hombre.
En términos de narración: ágil, sin rodeos, puntual en lo que quería rescatar de cada escena de su vida y una cronología clara.
Por último, la edición: aun sabiendo la gran visión de LID Editorial Empresarial, me encontré con varios errores que me hace desconfiar de comprar libros de su editorial en el futuro (errores de ortografía y ¡una página en blanco! fueron constantes).
Un gran libro, escrito por un gran hombre.
November 28, 2023
This is a truly inspiring and inspirational story - not a 'rags to riches' tale but something akin to that: how a lowly Mexican child with few resources and opportunities made the leap into becoming something more than he could have ever imagined. To detail any more would be to undermine the whole story - no spoilers here! Dr Q is now an established expert in his field of brain cancer research, and in the ways of trying to rid living brains from cancer itself. Sometimes he loses people, and that's understandable. Mostly he has some measure of success. However, he can't - yet - halt the march of cancer in the brain. And so his work continues. In the 12 years since the publication of this book, I would anticipate that Dr Q and his team have made progress. A followup would be would be very welcome.
September 28, 2022
This is an amazing, inspirational story of unconventional adventures and winding roads that lead to the creation of “Dr. Q”. Much of his stories involve the theme of overcoming unthinkable challenges, including at least two near-death experiences. However, by the end of the story I left realizing that all of these challenges, obstacles, and tragedies are what make life worth living and worth writing a book about. Each one of our own lives has their difficulties, big or small, that can be overcome to one day reminisce on its lessons or to tell a story. So, remember that. Every day we write a new page of our story. Good or bad, there is room to cherish it and grow and hopefully share your stories with others or with yourself
February 11, 2024
I was introduced to Dr. Quinones by my science teacher when I was younger. He showed us a documentary on his work. Since then I have been mesmerized by his work and passion. His passion made me more interested in how the brain functions and how to work around tumors. Which is why I decided to read this book. This book is truly amazing and talks about all the stages in life, whether good or bad. You feel like you are going through this journey with him and it’s very empowering. I love how inspiring this book is and how powerful Dr. Quinones is because he shows that no matter what your background is, if you are truly passionate anything is possible. His passion is what made this book even more beautiful because even when hardships came he never gave up. To sum it all up, I truly love this book because it encourages the readers to follow their dreams. Never give up! This book was a 10/10.
July 31, 2018
Great book! Great story about a Hispanic immigrant who has so much drive he becomes a brain surgeon , with lots and lots and lots of work and blessings also along the way. As they say “ you can’t make this kind of stuff up!” Incredibly fascinating story of true grit and spirit and drive! It’s a book that you need a highlighter for so you can highlight a lot! So many good lessons to learn about on this book. Incredibly smart man! My one gripe about the book is that he doesn’t talk more about his wife and her “support from home” side of the story.......
July 1, 2023
This was a very sweet telling of the doctor's story, from illegal immigrant to neurosurgeon, and he worked very very hard to get where he is. Sadly I think this would be very near impossible now--he was lucky to have qualified in the 80s for a green card but that is pretty hard to do now. I appreciated a lot about the story, but am a bit disappointed in yet another successful person spends just about all his time on his career. He is very lucky he has the wife he does. I know doctors are busy, but I think I'd rather have a doctor who wants to see his or her family occasionally.
October 4, 2023
Becoming Dr. Q: My Journey from Migrant Farm Worker to Brain Surgeon by Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa is an important memoir. I loved reading this doctor’s story and seeing the many things he overcame. This book tells the story of his early life as well as his life as he built his family and started practicing medicine. The stories of cases he faced were really fascinating. I think readers of many genres would enjoy this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
November 20, 2023
Among the memoirs I have read of people overcoming hardship to find success, this is one of the best. It is an amazing story of an underprivileged young man from Mexico who was able, through persistence and much hard work, to become a prominent brain surgeon at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. His empathy and care for patients goes beyond what most of us experience from medical professionals. His underlying faith in God (mentioned near the end of the book) informs his attitude toward patients and colleagues. I could not recommend this book more highly!
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