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All That Moves Us: A Pediatric Neurosurgeon, His Young Patients, and Their Stories of Grace and Resilience
“The surgical interventions in these pages are dizzying, but the fact that Jay Wellons can write as well as he can operate provides a whole other level of amazement.”—Ann Patchett, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Commonwealth
“A powerful and moving account of the intense joys and sorrows of being a pediatric neurosurgeon.”—Henry Marsh, New York Times bestselling author of Do No Stories of Life, Death, and Brain Surgery
ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE The New Yorker, Publishers Weekly
Tumors, injuries, ruptured vascular malformations—there is almost no such thing as a non-urgent brain surgery when it comes to kids. For a pediatric neurosurgeon working in the medical minefield of the brain—in which a single millimeter in every direction governs something that makes us essentially human—every day presents the challenge, and the opportunity, to give a new lease on life to a child for whom nothing is yet fully determined and all possibilities still exist.
In All That Moves Us, Dr. Jay Wellons pulls back the curtain to reveal the profoundly moving triumphs, haunting complications, and harrowing close calls that characterize the life of a pediatric neurosurgeon, bringing the high-stakes drama of the operating room to life with astonishing candor and honest compassion. Reflecting on lessons learned over twenty-five years and thousands of operations completed on some of the most vulnerable and precious among us, Wellons recounts in gripping detail the moments that have shaped him as a doctor, as a parent, and as the only hope for countless patients whose young lives are in his hands.
Wellons shares scenes of his early days as the son of a military pilot, the years of grueling surgical training, and true stories of what it’s like to treat the brave children he meets on the threshold between life and death. From the little boy who arrived at the hospital near death from a gunshot wound to the head, to the eight-year-old whose shredded nerves were repaired using suture as fine as human hair, to the brave mother-to-be undergoing fetal spinal cord surgery, All That Moves Us is an unforgettable portrait of the countless human dramas that take place in a busy modern children’s hospital—and a meditation on the marvel of life as seen from under the white-hot lights of the operating room.
“A powerful and moving account of the intense joys and sorrows of being a pediatric neurosurgeon.”—Henry Marsh, New York Times bestselling author of Do No Stories of Life, Death, and Brain Surgery
ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE The New Yorker, Publishers Weekly
Tumors, injuries, ruptured vascular malformations—there is almost no such thing as a non-urgent brain surgery when it comes to kids. For a pediatric neurosurgeon working in the medical minefield of the brain—in which a single millimeter in every direction governs something that makes us essentially human—every day presents the challenge, and the opportunity, to give a new lease on life to a child for whom nothing is yet fully determined and all possibilities still exist.
In All That Moves Us, Dr. Jay Wellons pulls back the curtain to reveal the profoundly moving triumphs, haunting complications, and harrowing close calls that characterize the life of a pediatric neurosurgeon, bringing the high-stakes drama of the operating room to life with astonishing candor and honest compassion. Reflecting on lessons learned over twenty-five years and thousands of operations completed on some of the most vulnerable and precious among us, Wellons recounts in gripping detail the moments that have shaped him as a doctor, as a parent, and as the only hope for countless patients whose young lives are in his hands.
Wellons shares scenes of his early days as the son of a military pilot, the years of grueling surgical training, and true stories of what it’s like to treat the brave children he meets on the threshold between life and death. From the little boy who arrived at the hospital near death from a gunshot wound to the head, to the eight-year-old whose shredded nerves were repaired using suture as fine as human hair, to the brave mother-to-be undergoing fetal spinal cord surgery, All That Moves Us is an unforgettable portrait of the countless human dramas that take place in a busy modern children’s hospital—and a meditation on the marvel of life as seen from under the white-hot lights of the operating room.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published June 28, 2022
309 people are currently reading
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August 11, 2022Update Finished the book, review to come, the book improves a lot and is 4.5 star, a good and very introspective read.
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This is not one of the most interesting medical memoirs I've ever read. It's a good enough read, but there is nothing in it that is outstanding or revelatory or particularly moving so far...
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Three times lucky? Two 10-star books in a row Growing Up Human: The Evolution of Childhood and The Boy Who Loved Too Much: A True Story of Pathological Friendliness... can this make it three in a row? Those two books were marvellous and taught me a lot, and about myself. I'm hoping....
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This is not one of the most interesting medical memoirs I've ever read. It's a good enough read, but there is nothing in it that is outstanding or revelatory or particularly moving so far...
__________
Three times lucky? Two 10-star books in a row Growing Up Human: The Evolution of Childhood and The Boy Who Loved Too Much: A True Story of Pathological Friendliness... can this make it three in a row? Those two books were marvellous and taught me a lot, and about myself. I'm hoping....
January 9, 2023
Dr. Wellons is my son's neurosurgeon. When I learned that he had written a book I knew I had to read it. And I am so glad that I did! The doctor you read about in these pages is the same in real life. While my son's situation was not quite as serious as some mentioned, it was still a serious situation. Dr. Wellons took the time to make sure we understood all that was happening, what would happen in surgery, etc.
His book reflects his practice, and was a joy to read. Knowing him, I could picture him with the patients and families he wrote about. I loved reading about his father and his background also.
I highly recommend this book. While it is about neurosurgery, it's not too technical/medical in the writing. Anyone can read it and be able to understand what is happening in the situations he writes about.
Thank you Dr. Wellons for the wonderful read, and for the great care you have given to our family.
His book reflects his practice, and was a joy to read. Knowing him, I could picture him with the patients and families he wrote about. I loved reading about his father and his background also.
I highly recommend this book. While it is about neurosurgery, it's not too technical/medical in the writing. Anyone can read it and be able to understand what is happening in the situations he writes about.
Thank you Dr. Wellons for the wonderful read, and for the great care you have given to our family.
February 6, 2022
All That Moves Us // by Jay Wellons
There aren't many books lately in my inbox that I jump at quickly but as soon as I saw this one, I just knew I had to read it. I'm a sucker for medical memoirs and this one promised a lot of emotions, analyzing of experiences, and medical explanations -- all things that I really enjoy reading about. I like how Wellons pulled together the different strands of his life: growing up with a military pilot as his father, his medical training, his hobbies, coping with his father's illness and death, and the triumphs and failures at his job. It was fascinating to see how many things can be taken from one part of your life and either applied to another or used to understand other experiences better. Many people say that doctors, and especially specialists such as neurosurgeons, are aloof, disconnected, or unemotional. This book will show you both that this isn't actually always true as well as why these doctors might act the way they do in those situations, which I can be much more understanding of after reading this book. If you like learning about new perspectives, especially while on an emotional rollercoaster, then you should definitely pick this book up!
Thank you for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
There aren't many books lately in my inbox that I jump at quickly but as soon as I saw this one, I just knew I had to read it. I'm a sucker for medical memoirs and this one promised a lot of emotions, analyzing of experiences, and medical explanations -- all things that I really enjoy reading about. I like how Wellons pulled together the different strands of his life: growing up with a military pilot as his father, his medical training, his hobbies, coping with his father's illness and death, and the triumphs and failures at his job. It was fascinating to see how many things can be taken from one part of your life and either applied to another or used to understand other experiences better. Many people say that doctors, and especially specialists such as neurosurgeons, are aloof, disconnected, or unemotional. This book will show you both that this isn't actually always true as well as why these doctors might act the way they do in those situations, which I can be much more understanding of after reading this book. If you like learning about new perspectives, especially while on an emotional rollercoaster, then you should definitely pick this book up!
Thank you for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2022
Fascinating, insightful and reader-friendly writing on a complex topic. Thank goodness there are doctors like Jay Wellons, pediatric neurosurgeon. He is not only at the top of his game professionally making lightening quick decisions on intricate surgeries to save his young patients but appears to be a highly compassionate human being, wholeheartedly committed to his critically ill patients and their families. His stories are heart-breaking, others miraculous. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 8, 2023
All That Moves Us is a poignant and thoughtful account of a neurosurgeon's journey through grief, drawing inspiration from the innocence, hopefulness, and resilience of his young patients. Wellons masterfully intertwines these heartfelt stories with his own experiences of navigating the profound yet haunting realm between life and death.
The stories in this book serve as a testament to the power of human connection and the indomitable spirit of those facing immense challenges at such a young age. I think there’s a lot that can be learned from the unwavering dedication of doctors like Wellons, as well as the perseverance of these patients and their families.
As someone who never considered a career in medicine, I found the book particularly /moving/ – reading about the immense effort, dedication, and compassion of doctors like Wellons made me reflect on the direction I want to take my own career. However, I must admit that I wasn't entirely engrossed in the prose. The book took me a lot longer to finish than anticipated, which could be attributed to unfamiliarity with the medical terminology, being distracted by school, or perhaps the prose itself. I also wished there was a bit more of a narrative theme between the chapters, or from the beginning to the end, although I loved the thoughtfulness of the epilogue. Nevertheless – a beautiful, heartfelt exploration of grief, healing, and the strength that lies within each of us.
The stories in this book serve as a testament to the power of human connection and the indomitable spirit of those facing immense challenges at such a young age. I think there’s a lot that can be learned from the unwavering dedication of doctors like Wellons, as well as the perseverance of these patients and their families.
As someone who never considered a career in medicine, I found the book particularly /moving/ – reading about the immense effort, dedication, and compassion of doctors like Wellons made me reflect on the direction I want to take my own career. However, I must admit that I wasn't entirely engrossed in the prose. The book took me a lot longer to finish than anticipated, which could be attributed to unfamiliarity with the medical terminology, being distracted by school, or perhaps the prose itself. I also wished there was a bit more of a narrative theme between the chapters, or from the beginning to the end, although I loved the thoughtfulness of the epilogue. Nevertheless – a beautiful, heartfelt exploration of grief, healing, and the strength that lies within each of us.
June 21, 2024
I guess I'm going to be a neurosurgeon now.
June 5, 2025
trigger warnings and other info at the end of the review
I had a hard time getting through parts of this book, if I’m being completely honest. It was hopeful at times, but some points felt like a kick to the gut where all the air was forced out of me and I was left gasping for breath. Truly makes me even more grateful for healthcare workers.
_________________book info____________________
Genre(s): Nonfiction, Medical, Memoir
Recommended Age Rating: 16+
Reasons Why: Surgery, mild language, death
Overall Rating: A-
I had a hard time getting through parts of this book, if I’m being completely honest. It was hopeful at times, but some points felt like a kick to the gut where all the air was forced out of me and I was left gasping for breath. Truly makes me even more grateful for healthcare workers.
_________________book info____________________
Genre(s): Nonfiction, Medical, Memoir
Recommended Age Rating: 16+
Reasons Why: Surgery, mild language, death
Overall Rating: A-
July 16, 2024
Started off strong but got extremely repetitive and boring. The writing is sloppy and sounds pretentious. I hated the part where Dr. Wellons told his resident, “Atta girl” 😐
Some of the stories were moving, and a few chapters definitely made me wonder what it would be like to be a neurosurgeon
Some of the stories were moving, and a few chapters definitely made me wonder what it would be like to be a neurosurgeon
January 19, 2024
I very nearly sobbed at some stories and wanted to cry with joy at others. This is a beautiful book.
October 20, 2022
Dr. Jay Wellons has spent the majority of his career in one of the most demanding and emotional fields of medicine--pediatric neurosurgery. His patients face the gravest of dangers from illness, trauma, malformation, and other issues that require great skill, steady hands, nerves of steel, and the ability to explain to parents what issues their children face.
Having read other medical memoirs, I found this one different from others in the openness with which Wellons shares his personal trials helping with such desperately ill or injured children. To his surprise, many of them revealed far more grit, determination, courage, and understanding of their situations than many adults might have. It's a gift to readers to learn about these cases from someone who is neither arrogant nor boastful. Rather, he invites us to put ourselves in his shoes--or in the shoes of parents and children--to truly sense how demanding his work is, and how compassionate and honest he has been with his patients. And don't worry--you don't need to be a physician to understand his work. You just need to be curious and grateful that such doctors exist and devote themselves so totally to their calling.
Having read other medical memoirs, I found this one different from others in the openness with which Wellons shares his personal trials helping with such desperately ill or injured children. To his surprise, many of them revealed far more grit, determination, courage, and understanding of their situations than many adults might have. It's a gift to readers to learn about these cases from someone who is neither arrogant nor boastful. Rather, he invites us to put ourselves in his shoes--or in the shoes of parents and children--to truly sense how demanding his work is, and how compassionate and honest he has been with his patients. And don't worry--you don't need to be a physician to understand his work. You just need to be curious and grateful that such doctors exist and devote themselves so totally to their calling.
May 16, 2022
A moving and timely memoir that will make you appreciate your daily life and the people around you. Dr. Wellons accurately portrays the challenges and triumphs of a career in pediatric neurosurgery while illustrating the influence that his patients and their families have had on his life. A beautiful read, and all of the medical terminology is very well explained. I highly recommend this memoir.
November 15, 2022
3.5 stars. I think I would have given this 3 stars for prose, because the writing is kind of meh, but obviously I love reading anecdotes and stories from doctors and i think neurosurgery is the coolest thing ever (especially pediatric neurosurgery), which means it’s a four based on topic.
I feel like Narrative medicine is becoming bigger and bigger these days. I do agree with the sentiment “…telling stories about things that most affect us is a redemptive act and will help us all in the push to heal”. It can be hard to talk about the sad/horrible things you see, I would argue I’m not very good at talking about cases/patients that have upset me, so reading these stories is definitely impactful.
sometimes I find it hard to read books written by surgeons because the author has to toe the line between humility and haughty. The point of the story is to highlight the brave pediatric patients he cared for, but it still comes off as pedagogical and preachy. I also get frustrated by male surgeons talking about their work-life balance because they don’t have the same family/reproductive considerations that women have. I feel like this review is coming off more negative than meant to, I did enjoy the clinical nature of the different diseases, traumas, and surgical approaches that each patient depicts (in utero myelomeningocele repair, head traumas, Chairi malformation decompressions, etc). i would recommend for people that find neurosurgery interesting, especially because he does elaborate about how many hours he worked, how little free time he has—so he gets points for painting a realistic picture of what it is like to be a neurosurgeon. the book also gives you a deep appreciation for what it means to save a life and how lucky we are to be able to walk, talk, and function without any deficits.
Small side note: as I have progressed through medical school, and I talk to my friends in the armed forces, I have drawn more and more parallels between the military and the hospital. this review is not the place for me to elaborate on the similarities (the hierarchy/rankings, the work environment, the ethics, etc), however; there is one part of the book where the author creates this connection, so thought i would share: “Experience has taught me that often there are several alternatives to how a situation—especially a dire emergency—can be approached. Indeed, as a surgeon and a pilot’s son I often think about the military concept called the “fog of war” and how often a decision must be made in the moment without the benefit of the calm and information available in hindsight”. this quote comes at a point where Dr. Wellons highlights how he is always good at self criticism. it is building off a broader theme in the book that one of the hardest things about being a doctor/surgeon is finding solace in the fact that you don’t know what the outcome would have been if you had made a different decision (if you had chosen to clip the aneurysm rather than coil). an important part of emotional resilience is learning to forgive yourself and not live in this world of ‘what ifs’
I feel like Narrative medicine is becoming bigger and bigger these days. I do agree with the sentiment “…telling stories about things that most affect us is a redemptive act and will help us all in the push to heal”. It can be hard to talk about the sad/horrible things you see, I would argue I’m not very good at talking about cases/patients that have upset me, so reading these stories is definitely impactful.
sometimes I find it hard to read books written by surgeons because the author has to toe the line between humility and haughty. The point of the story is to highlight the brave pediatric patients he cared for, but it still comes off as pedagogical and preachy. I also get frustrated by male surgeons talking about their work-life balance because they don’t have the same family/reproductive considerations that women have. I feel like this review is coming off more negative than meant to, I did enjoy the clinical nature of the different diseases, traumas, and surgical approaches that each patient depicts (in utero myelomeningocele repair, head traumas, Chairi malformation decompressions, etc). i would recommend for people that find neurosurgery interesting, especially because he does elaborate about how many hours he worked, how little free time he has—so he gets points for painting a realistic picture of what it is like to be a neurosurgeon. the book also gives you a deep appreciation for what it means to save a life and how lucky we are to be able to walk, talk, and function without any deficits.
Small side note: as I have progressed through medical school, and I talk to my friends in the armed forces, I have drawn more and more parallels between the military and the hospital. this review is not the place for me to elaborate on the similarities (the hierarchy/rankings, the work environment, the ethics, etc), however; there is one part of the book where the author creates this connection, so thought i would share: “Experience has taught me that often there are several alternatives to how a situation—especially a dire emergency—can be approached. Indeed, as a surgeon and a pilot’s son I often think about the military concept called the “fog of war” and how often a decision must be made in the moment without the benefit of the calm and information available in hindsight”. this quote comes at a point where Dr. Wellons highlights how he is always good at self criticism. it is building off a broader theme in the book that one of the hardest things about being a doctor/surgeon is finding solace in the fact that you don’t know what the outcome would have been if you had made a different decision (if you had chosen to clip the aneurysm rather than coil). an important part of emotional resilience is learning to forgive yourself and not live in this world of ‘what ifs’
January 30, 2025
Pretty amazing book. It was fascinating reading the words written by a pediatric neurosurgeon. I think Dr. Wellons did an incredible job depicting the hard task of being a neurosurgeon and the ups and downs you have to endure in order to be successful. The stories of his patients and the incredible resiliency they show in the face of adversity is so inspiring. Kids are incredibly resilient with the ability to bounce back and recover quicker than adults. I never thought being a doctor, let alone a pediatric neurosurgeon, is easy. And from this book alone, it really isn't easy at all. But, like anything else in life, the most rewarding things we experience are never easy.
July 21, 2022
4.75
May 7, 2023
An incredible read full of grace and compassion. It’s so clear that Wellons is a person of deep faith. I’m buying this one.
August 4, 2022
I loved this medical memoir and strongly recommend it. I believe with memoir, more so than with other genres, you are in the company of the author and you'd better hope they are good company! Dr. Jay Wellons certainly is. Medical memoirs can be really uneven- sometimes the authors are better physicians than writers, sometimes they are not the kindest humans. I always start them with high hopes. In this case those high hopes were fulfilled! Dr. Wellons comes across as a very kind and caring physician with a lot of fascinating, sometimes heartbreaking stories of his patients, their conditions, their surgeries, and their family members.
March 7, 2023
Required reading, especially for anyone who is in healthcare or who takes care of children. I’ll be a better doctor and person having read it.
May 23, 2023
The stories of a Vandy pediatric neurosurgeon throughout his years of practice kept me intrigued the whole book. He did a great job of explaining in detail the processes of the brain. Enjoyed!
April 24, 2024
Incredibly written and moving memoir. I won’t even lie I am completely more interested in neuro after reading this than I ever once was. I appreciate the use of real patient stories that also left Dr. Wellons with valuable life lessons.
May 13, 2024
3.5 stars. Pretty fascinating to learn more about this area of medicine and all the insanely microscopic work they do.
January 9, 2022
“All that Moves Us”- Life Lessons from a Pediatric Neurosurgeon” certainly moved me. Some parts of the book terrified me. The number of ways that our brains can be damaged, in an instant, are terrifying. And to think of these serious and life-threatening injuries happening to your own child, horrifying. And after reading this fascinating book, I sense that author Dr. Jay Wellons agrees with me.
Dr. Wellons’ well-written memoir allows readers to be with him during his arduous residency, and then his career as a pediatric neurosurgeon. We follow him from the emergency room to the operating room, to his clinic. He also shares the story of his father- truly a commendable man. Most of all, Dr. Wellons opens his heart to us. He doesn’t just repair damaged brain arteries or remove brain tumors from impossible places, he gives his patients and their families, hope, love, and a new path for them to achieve a purposeful life.
One of the most fascinating chapters in the book shows us the surgery that now enables babies with spina bifida to have their spine repaired in the uterus. Truly amazing.
I highly recommend this book and I thank Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group-Random House for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.
Dr. Wellons’ well-written memoir allows readers to be with him during his arduous residency, and then his career as a pediatric neurosurgeon. We follow him from the emergency room to the operating room, to his clinic. He also shares the story of his father- truly a commendable man. Most of all, Dr. Wellons opens his heart to us. He doesn’t just repair damaged brain arteries or remove brain tumors from impossible places, he gives his patients and their families, hope, love, and a new path for them to achieve a purposeful life.
One of the most fascinating chapters in the book shows us the surgery that now enables babies with spina bifida to have their spine repaired in the uterus. Truly amazing.
I highly recommend this book and I thank Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group-Random House for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.
August 23, 2022
Must go with 5 stars because I can’t believe this most brilliant surgeon is also a great writer. AND narrator! This will leave you in awe of what an average day in the life of this doctor is like as well as just how incredibly miraculous, complex and resilient the human brain, body and spirit are. This guy could have a HUGE ego but there is barely a humble brag in these pages. Each story is equal parts haunting and enthralling IF you can stomach medical stuff. By the end you’ll feel like you know Dr Wellons, his patients and his remarkable father too.
September 22, 2022
The medical stories are interesting - if you like reading "Diagnosis" in the NYT you'll enjoy these stories. And you may learn about the structure and mysteries of the brain. But I didn't find that there was any real reason for this book to exist other than that the pediatric neurosurgeon who wrote it wanted to review his greatest hits. This is not like an Oliver Sacks book where you feel that the medical stories being told have some overarching theme. But I am sure Dr. Wellons is an excellent and accomplished surgeon.
January 3, 2023
Jay Weldon’s combines his journey into pediatric neurology with his life experience growing up with a military father who wanted to be a doctor himself. The stories are not only from the prospective of a doctor with all medical terminology included but also from the perspective of a man who is very human and takes care when not only addressing the patients but the families. Some stories will make you cry with sadness and others will bring tears of joy.
May 18, 2024
“I believe that the stories of these families and others like them will be critical as we help one another toward healing.” — Jay does exactly that. Reading through the essays Jay wrote about some of his patients left me with chills. Medicine is hard but this book is a reminder that physicians enter this field because they want nothing more than to heal and see a future for each of their patients
April 11, 2023
Once again, I marvel at the intelligence and stamina required to be a surgeon, let alone a neurosurgeon. This is a collection of accounts that he’s gone through. The one that struck me the most was the tendon/sciatica nerve surgery. So awful.
“Before the present day 1/2 million dollar microscopes, ultrasound probes and microscopic tweezers there were drs who would remove tumors with a bent index finger sweeping it out from the cerebellum.” Ouch, but Cheaper!
Really liked the chapter, Last Place, where he was heading to a triathlon, ready to conquer, and comes upon a gruesome car accident and is able to attend to the injured passengers using his expertise. Unfortunately by the time he finally makes it to the race, all of his adrenaline is depleted and he doesn’t win. But discovers a different, better win by chapter’s end. He also learns not to judge or lose patience with mistakes first responders can make, in their haste, to save lives.
“Experience has taught me that often there are several alternatives to how a situation- especially a dire emergency-can be approached. Indeed, as a surgeon and a pilot's son I often think about the military concept called the “fog of war” and how often a decision must
be made in the moment without the benefit of the calm and information available in hindsight. All of it makes me hesitant to pass judgment.”
Listen to the precision: “We measured the gap and cut the long sural nerve into six shorter segments so that we could sew multiple cable grafts across the gap. We used suture the size of human hair and the operating microscope in order to adequately visualize what we were doing. The entire procedure took several hours to accomplish, including closing the two long incisions on the back of his leg that exposed both the sciatic injury and the separate sural nerve harvesting, but all went fine.” Wow and I also wonder how these surgeons would do with an embroidery project.
“Then we sew the two nerves together. It's so tiny that any unintended air current in the room can blow the suture out from under the microscope and right out of our view. Oftentimes, I have to remind myself to breathe when I do this work as I try to keep the rest of my body as still as possible.” Come ON, who has hands this steady and the confidence to go with it?
In closing, every time I feel the pain in my head or somebody I know bumps their head or a limb feels slightly weak, I’m going to automatically leap to…brain tumor… blood clot… stroke.
“Before the present day 1/2 million dollar microscopes, ultrasound probes and microscopic tweezers there were drs who would remove tumors with a bent index finger sweeping it out from the cerebellum.” Ouch, but Cheaper!
Really liked the chapter, Last Place, where he was heading to a triathlon, ready to conquer, and comes upon a gruesome car accident and is able to attend to the injured passengers using his expertise. Unfortunately by the time he finally makes it to the race, all of his adrenaline is depleted and he doesn’t win. But discovers a different, better win by chapter’s end. He also learns not to judge or lose patience with mistakes first responders can make, in their haste, to save lives.
“Experience has taught me that often there are several alternatives to how a situation- especially a dire emergency-can be approached. Indeed, as a surgeon and a pilot's son I often think about the military concept called the “fog of war” and how often a decision must
be made in the moment without the benefit of the calm and information available in hindsight. All of it makes me hesitant to pass judgment.”
Listen to the precision: “We measured the gap and cut the long sural nerve into six shorter segments so that we could sew multiple cable grafts across the gap. We used suture the size of human hair and the operating microscope in order to adequately visualize what we were doing. The entire procedure took several hours to accomplish, including closing the two long incisions on the back of his leg that exposed both the sciatic injury and the separate sural nerve harvesting, but all went fine.” Wow and I also wonder how these surgeons would do with an embroidery project.
“Then we sew the two nerves together. It's so tiny that any unintended air current in the room can blow the suture out from under the microscope and right out of our view. Oftentimes, I have to remind myself to breathe when I do this work as I try to keep the rest of my body as still as possible.” Come ON, who has hands this steady and the confidence to go with it?
In closing, every time I feel the pain in my head or somebody I know bumps their head or a limb feels slightly weak, I’m going to automatically leap to…brain tumor… blood clot… stroke.
March 18, 2024
4.5 “For the child, it was simply a chance to heal and live; theirs is the most innocent view. I hurt; now I hurt no longer. For the parent, it was the intensity made of the emotions that come with the anguish of a life-altering diagnosis in your child and the trust necessary to allow another human being to intervene. For the surgeon, it was the opportunity to fundamentally improve, or even bring back, a child who is pure potential, for whom nothing is truly determined and all possibilities exist.”
Neurosurgery is a surgical specialty that involves the conservative and surgical management of a wide variety of disorders affecting the brain, the spinal cord and spinal column, and the peripheral nerves. This specialty is a technically demanding one, requiring surgeons to exert great finesse in carrying out potentially life-saving surgeries.
This book illustrates all the highs and lows associated with being a pediatric neurosurgeon through the poignant and thoughtful words of Dr. Jay Wellons. We see compelling stories of specific cases, following from start to finish, all the while watching the surgical intervention and complexities thereof, as well as feeling the compassion Dr. Wellons gives to all patients and their families. "All That Moves Us" does not focus solely on life-and-death medical drama. There are more personal memories as well, all that combine to create a picture of a man who is everything a physician should be…and more.
Neurosurgery is a surgical specialty that involves the conservative and surgical management of a wide variety of disorders affecting the brain, the spinal cord and spinal column, and the peripheral nerves. This specialty is a technically demanding one, requiring surgeons to exert great finesse in carrying out potentially life-saving surgeries.
This book illustrates all the highs and lows associated with being a pediatric neurosurgeon through the poignant and thoughtful words of Dr. Jay Wellons. We see compelling stories of specific cases, following from start to finish, all the while watching the surgical intervention and complexities thereof, as well as feeling the compassion Dr. Wellons gives to all patients and their families. "All That Moves Us" does not focus solely on life-and-death medical drama. There are more personal memories as well, all that combine to create a picture of a man who is everything a physician should be…and more.
July 29, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Everyone knows that I am a fan of thrillers and romance novels. But not everyone knows that I genuinely love books written by physicians. They are a wealth of information, and one of my favorites is Do No Harm by Henry Marsh, which came out in 2016. Recently, Ann Patchett recommended All That Moves Us by Jay Wellons, who is a pediatric neurosurgeon at Vanderbilt. I immediately purchased the book because, for me, that’s a strong recommendation. It was well deserved. The mind of a surgeon who has to make life and death decisions amazes me, and it’s the kind of pressure that is only for a chosen few. I found Dr. Wellons's comments and case studies captivating, and his observations were heartfelt and moving. I was especially touched by his relationship with his father, who was an inspiration in his life and died too soon of ALS. This book had a lot of great stories and great life lessons. I HIGHLY recommend All That Moves Us. #neurosurgeon #pediatrics #medicine #family #faith #love #care #empathy @jaywellons #AllThatMovesUs #heroes @parnassusbooks #medicine
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#bookaddict #booksofinstagram #bibliophile #bookstagram #bookstagramer #bookshelf #booksbooksbooks #readersofinstagram #reader #booklove #author #instabooks #literature
Everyone knows that I am a fan of thrillers and romance novels. But not everyone knows that I genuinely love books written by physicians. They are a wealth of information, and one of my favorites is Do No Harm by Henry Marsh, which came out in 2016. Recently, Ann Patchett recommended All That Moves Us by Jay Wellons, who is a pediatric neurosurgeon at Vanderbilt. I immediately purchased the book because, for me, that’s a strong recommendation. It was well deserved. The mind of a surgeon who has to make life and death decisions amazes me, and it’s the kind of pressure that is only for a chosen few. I found Dr. Wellons's comments and case studies captivating, and his observations were heartfelt and moving. I was especially touched by his relationship with his father, who was an inspiration in his life and died too soon of ALS. This book had a lot of great stories and great life lessons. I HIGHLY recommend All That Moves Us. #neurosurgeon #pediatrics #medicine #family #faith #love #care #empathy @jaywellons #AllThatMovesUs #heroes @parnassusbooks #medicine
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#bookaddict #booksofinstagram #bibliophile #bookstagram #bookstagramer #bookshelf #booksbooksbooks #readersofinstagram #reader #booklove #author #instabooks #literature
January 13, 2024
"For many years, I've kept an imaginary place just outside my vision, a plain field with very green grass. It came about out of necessity to give me a place to put these memories. When I would encounter something beyond comprehension, something that would cause me to question my faith or fill me with profound sorrow, I would sit quietly and think of that green field just outside my perspective. I would picture myself walking along the row of small mounds until I would find a new place, untouched. I would remove the sod and dig a hole in the ground and put the memory of that child whose story ended in sadness in a box. Then I would bury the box in the hole in the field and replace the sod and tamp it down to a little mound. Each time, I would do that. Then, I would leave that green and walk back into life."
THESE are the kind of people who should go into medicine. This book was simply beautiful.
THESE are the kind of people who should go into medicine. This book was simply beautiful.
September 11, 2023
Profoundly moving and insightful. A tearjerker to be sure…but filled with much hope. Enjoyed how he intertwined reflective insights of his relationship with his dad throughout.
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“All of us need a living, breathing reminder to just keep pushing on. There may be a life there to be beautifully and fully lived, a person who just needs someone, anyone, to work the problem, to make the hard call, and to fly in a storm.”
“To focus less on achievements and recognition and more on connections. Less on noting when the self-perceived limitless trajectory of one’s own career inevitably begins to bend its arc toward the horizon and more on how to build up others around you.”
“…witnessing the grief over and over again did in time enable me to understand that grief is as much a part of this life as joy. Indeed, the ultimate grief of loss is heightened by the intense joy that love brings. Love for the one forever lost. Without one, the other is muted, less real. One must coexist with the other.”
•••
“All of us need a living, breathing reminder to just keep pushing on. There may be a life there to be beautifully and fully lived, a person who just needs someone, anyone, to work the problem, to make the hard call, and to fly in a storm.”
“To focus less on achievements and recognition and more on connections. Less on noting when the self-perceived limitless trajectory of one’s own career inevitably begins to bend its arc toward the horizon and more on how to build up others around you.”
“…witnessing the grief over and over again did in time enable me to understand that grief is as much a part of this life as joy. Indeed, the ultimate grief of loss is heightened by the intense joy that love brings. Love for the one forever lost. Without one, the other is muted, less real. One must coexist with the other.”
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