Voice Behind the Mask

by George Lahoud

This memoir reveals unbelievable, defying-all-odds cases and thrilling events that challenge the medical norm. Share an unforgettable journey with George, as he recalls his experiences from his forty-five-year medical career. From having to make split-second decisions to being forced to use drastic measures in order to save lives. Discover some of the most extraordinary and fascinating cases he has encountered during his time spent practising anaesthesia and intensive care medicine in Britain, the United States and the Middle East.

Over the years, George has encountered nearly every situation you can imagine – and some that you couldn’t! Some of the stories are shockingly tragic, hair-raising and profoundly compelling, including George’s own harrowing experience with death. Others are hilariously funny and fascinating, such as tales from the time George spent treating the Saudi Arabian royal family, to his dealing with the most bizarre and funniest cases whilst working in the United States as an instructor in anaesthesia at Harvard University, Massachusetts.

He has worked with, and been witness to, those who have inspired him to become the best doctor he could be – but what made him decide to finally hang up his stethoscope? Voice Behind the Mask is a riveting memoir and a must-read with wide appeal.

322 pages, Paperback

Published August 28, 2016

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had every intention of reaching the end of this book, despite the excessive use of exclamation marks and the questionable behavior, but I couldn't continue after what was said about an individual who killed themselves shortly after their gender reassignment:

"The reconstructed female organ looked like a thing from an extra-terrestrial alien! No wonder, a couple of weeks later, the poor patient ended his life by jumping out of the hospital window after his boyfriend walked out on him!"

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[D.J. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This makes for an uncomfortable read as the author appears (on the whole) to be arrogant, homophobic and misogynistic. However, he is also clearly an exceedingly intelligent person in respect of academic and medical learning. If you could choose your own anaesthetist then Dr Lahoud would be one to choose if you wished to have the maximum chance of surviving major surgery. Sadly he might not be a person's first choice of of someone to have a social conversation with in earshot of anyone who was the slightest bit liberal in their thinking.

[Ellesse · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I could I would have given the book a 0. Avoid. If you like to know more read on but note I refuse to sugarcoat a disgrace of a book.

To let you into my review writing process, I take notes anytime anything grabs my attention. I’d written plenty of notes on this one but won’t be making it into one of my normal reviews. Here is why

"The reconstructed female organ looked like a thing from an extra-terrestrial alien! No wonder, a couple of weeks later, the poor patient ended his life by jumping out of the hospital window after his boyfriend walked out on him!"

Taken straight from the book, from a DOCTOR. Nope. What a disgraceful matter to discuss a transgender patient. The author can’t even get the gender right! However that’s the least of my concerns.

I currently I am too angry to write more however in time I may update the post.

[JustHB · Rating 1 out of 5]

This has the potential to be a great book. However, it is totally let down by the arrogant, chauvinistic author that totally resembles the type of person he is trying to shun. This is an example of what is totally wrong with the health service - sexual harassment carried out by the author, both verbal and physical, by a self-centered ego warrior who does as he pleases, both at work and in his family life. If you want to read how one surgeon elevates himself to god-like status, then do read this. Otherwise, burn/delete.