Gifted Mind: The Dr. Raymond Damadian Story, Inventor of the MRI

by Jeff Kinley, Larry J. Leech II

In 1969, magnetic resonance imaging machines (MRIs) and similar technologies were just an idea in the visionary life saving technologies mind of a young Raymond Damadian. As a boy, he watched his grandmother die painfully from breast cancer, which would eventually play a role in his pursuit of a career in medical research and pioneering this amazing field.
Although in 1971 his concept of detecting tumors through MRIs was widely met with mocking skepticism, within six years he became the first researcher to do a scan of a human, creating technology to reveal cancer within the human body. His life has been an incredible journey of discovery that will help you learn:
[[How his concept for cancer detection was inspired and developed
[[Why faith remains an integral part of his work
[[Why he is a strong supporter of the creativity and freedom found in patents.

240 pages, Hardcover

First published June 10, 2014

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gifted Mind is a memoir of Dr. Raymond Damadian, the man who discovered that a distinction could be made between tumors and normal tissue by nuclear magnetic resonance. Using this science, he built the first human-sized MRI scanner that produced the very first MRI image of a human being.

Life’s circumstances led Dr. Damadian into research with a desire to find a cure to cancer. This is his story of the specifics of one idea that led him to inventing the MRI and the opposition and trials he had to overcome in order to do so. It’s a story of faith, of falling away, and of being found once again. A man of courage and perseverance. A man who, despite all that he has accomplished, found that fulfillment can only be found in Jesus Christ.

I found this book fascinating as I read it, as anything medical has always intrigued me, and I couldn’t put this one down. This book is one about the discovery of the MRI as much as it is about Truth. There were a couple of areas in some chapters that took a little more time to get through because of how technical they got, but you could easily skim past those parts and not miss out on what Dr. Damadian’s story is truly about:

“For those who believe on Jesus Christ, we are not only called to be different, but also to make a difference as well (Matthew 28:18-20; Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 4:28).”

I would recommend this book for anyone with an interest in medical technology & how God uses His people to accomplish His plan.

I received a free copy of the digital format of each book. All opinions in this review are my own.

[g · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr.Damadians’ MRI invention was brilliant. The MRI has saved millions of lives and yet he was never awarded the NOBEL PRIZE! But back in 2009 it was awarded to someone for his ability to strengthen international relationships..how did that work out for us?

[Harold Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book of testimony about our Great and awesome God and one Christian man with a vision and a dream with an unshakable faith in God. Dr. Damadian is indeed a Christian man who believes in the God of the Bible and has been used mightily of God to forever change our world through his invention of the MRI. The book is his amazing story of how he came up with the idea to build such a machine as the MRI and what he suffered and endured to bring his God shaped vision to pass and into reality.
Dr. Damadian, though a brilliant man, is also a very God-fearing, uncompromising and humble man. In the book, Gifted Mind, it is revealed how he developed the MRI on a shoestring budget, being scoffed at by people all around him – stating that such a machine could never be built to do what he stated the MRI could do. But he went ahead in his faith and hope in God and built the first MRI and patented it so the machine could be used to detect cancer and other abnormalities in the body leading to the saving of many lives. And today the MRI is a marvelous medical tool being used every day all over the world to detect such things as tumors and other health abnormalities in the body. I know because I live with 2 brain tumors and have MRI’s done on a periodic basis (with and without contrast) so I for one am very grateful to God and to Dr. Damadian for inventing the MRI.
In the book it is revealed how after he invented the MRI that actually worked (appropriately named Indomitable), companies such as GE and others tried to steal his invention from him. It is shared in the book that at one point he even stood up to one of the most powerful men in the business world in that time, Jack Welch, the CEO of General Electric. GE wanted to steal his invention and reap the rewards of Dr. Damadian’s work without crediting him or compensating him for it. And Dr. Damadian, (just as David took on Goliath and won), stood face to face with Jack Welch taking him on, who offered him 80 million dollars to settle the lawsuit…but Dr. Damadian said NO! And anyone who knows anything about business and Jack Welch, knows that no one told Jack Welch NO. But Doctor Damadian did and he won! God vindicated him in regards to the matter. Also, a heartbreaking thing happened in that Dr. Damadian was rejected for receiving the Nobel Prize for his invention – which he should have received. Rather others were awarded the Nobel Prize instead of him.
Dr. Damadian is a Godly and Biblical man. He is a scientist. He is also a Biblical creationist and states so in his book without any reservations whatsoever. Although I do not comprehend all the technical writing in the book I do get and comprehend the story of Dr. Damadian and how one man with a vision and faith in our extraordinary God can and does do great and amazing things that leads to incredible change in our world. In this case, it was the invention of the MRI. His story greatly encouraged my heart that it is true, that indeed, nothing is impossible with God. To quote Dr. Damadian, “To me, the highest purpose a man can find for life is to serve the will of God. That is what motivates my work as a scientist: exploring and applying the laws of nature and of nature’s God for the benefit of mankind.” And to you Dr. Damadian I humbly say thank you for being willing to do the will of God in your life, for though it cost you much, the world today is all the better for the glory of God and the good of mankind worldwide because of your faith in God and obedience to Him and His will.
If you are discouraged or doubting that God can or will use you as a Christian in this day and world we live in I strongly urge you to read Gifted Mind and be encouraged that God has, can, and will always use people who fear Him and His Word and purpose to do His will, in their hearts no matter the cost or outcome. To God be the Glory!
I received the book for review purposes from Cross Focused Reviews and Master Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Annie Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than simply a straighforward account of Dr. Damadian and the MRI, Gifted Mind is the memoir of a delightful, talented gentleman who is determined to share the hard-won lessons of his life while telling you of his dream to fight cancer.
...
This book will fascinate anyone with an interest in the human side of science. It will also appeal to those interested in the development of the MRI. Finally, it is a breath of fresh air in a world where many oppose direct creation and where a vigorous and well-funded promotion of theistic evolution challenges those who hold creationist views. Recommended.

You can read my complete review, including pertinent links in honor of Dr. Damadian's vision, at Tea Time with Annie Kate. http://anniekateshomeschoolreviews.co...

I received an ebook from Cross Focused Reviews in order to review this book. As usual my opinions are my own and I am not compensated for my review.