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The Face Laughs While the Brain Cries: The Education of a Doctor
A doctor’s powerful and deeply human memoir about the mysteries of the brain and his 40-year quest to find a treatment for multiple sclerosis.
Stephen L. Hauser is an acclaimed physician and neuroimmunologist who has spent his career performing cutting-edge research on multiple sclerosis (MS), a devastating brain disease that affects millions of people worldwide. His work has revolutionized our understanding of the genetics, immunology and treatment of MS, and led to the development of B cell therapies―the most effective therapy for all forms of MS and the only therapy currently in place for progressive MS patients.
The Face Laughs While The Brain Cries is a riveting memoir that follows Dr. Hauser from his unorthodox upbringing among the colorful cast of characters responsible for his development into a tenacious and innovative researcher, to the life-changing medical breakthroughs he has made against extremely long odds. Along the way, readers will learn the incredible stories of many of his patients, whose bravery, strength, and optimism in the face of a debilitating illness were instrumental to the progress that has been made in the fight against MS. This heartwarming book, written in accessible prose and related with equal measures of humor, empathy, and excitement, is sure to inspire.
Stephen L. Hauser is an acclaimed physician and neuroimmunologist who has spent his career performing cutting-edge research on multiple sclerosis (MS), a devastating brain disease that affects millions of people worldwide. His work has revolutionized our understanding of the genetics, immunology and treatment of MS, and led to the development of B cell therapies―the most effective therapy for all forms of MS and the only therapy currently in place for progressive MS patients.
The Face Laughs While The Brain Cries is a riveting memoir that follows Dr. Hauser from his unorthodox upbringing among the colorful cast of characters responsible for his development into a tenacious and innovative researcher, to the life-changing medical breakthroughs he has made against extremely long odds. Along the way, readers will learn the incredible stories of many of his patients, whose bravery, strength, and optimism in the face of a debilitating illness were instrumental to the progress that has been made in the fight against MS. This heartwarming book, written in accessible prose and related with equal measures of humor, empathy, and excitement, is sure to inspire.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published May 23, 2023
50 people are currently reading
3599 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
June 9, 2023
Many years ago I was diagnosed with MS I was lucky in that it was the relapsing remitting kind, and though there are times I need to use a cane or am in pain, it hasnt totally incapacitated. This book is a little memoir, the making of a doctor and how he became interested in the fields he ends up adopting, and the developments of the next new drug.
Learned so much, not just about MS but also how difficult it is to get a promising medicine into trials. All the paperwork, patience, as it sometimes takes years to get approval and the hows and whys of drug companies and drug development. It is written in a way that the regular person, like myself, with little medical knowledge, can follow and understand. After reading this I'm astonished that any new drugs or treatments are developed. Takes commitment, persistence, knowledge and patience. Lucky for us MS patients Dr. Hauser has them all.
Learned so much, not just about MS but also how difficult it is to get a promising medicine into trials. All the paperwork, patience, as it sometimes takes years to get approval and the hows and whys of drug companies and drug development. It is written in a way that the regular person, like myself, with little medical knowledge, can follow and understand. After reading this I'm astonished that any new drugs or treatments are developed. Takes commitment, persistence, knowledge and patience. Lucky for us MS patients Dr. Hauser has them all.
July 1, 2023
This was an interesting and informative read about the nature of Multiple Sclerosis in particular, but also made side trips into other neurological issues and diseases at times. It centered on the quest to understand the causes of MS and develop treatments that would stop or slow the progression of the disease. Having known or been related to people who suffer from MS and other degenerative illnesses, this offered a more complete look into what goes awry in the body. Having an autoimmune disorder myself, I was very interested in how the body begins to attack itself, rather than attack the foreign invaders it was set up to do. While it got a bit technical at times, it was mostly understandable by a layperson.
I know big pharma is not always focused on helping the little guy, but I'm glad research does get done to try to help those being slowly robbed of their bodies and minds by these kinds of illnesses. This book gave me a more complete understanding of what happens and the efforts to combat the progression, and how much hope these interventions give to those diagnosed.
I know big pharma is not always focused on helping the little guy, but I'm glad research does get done to try to help those being slowly robbed of their bodies and minds by these kinds of illnesses. This book gave me a more complete understanding of what happens and the efforts to combat the progression, and how much hope these interventions give to those diagnosed.
May 25, 2023
As a former medical writer, I snap up healthcare memoirs as soon as I learn of them, and I'm so glad I did with THE FACE LAUGHS WHILE THE BRAIN CRIES.
It is a brilliant, poignant, inspiring, and informative look at the education and career of Stephen L. Hauser, M.D. -- one of the world leaders in multiple sclerosis (MS) research.
Readers without a medical background will find this book fascinating too, as Dr. Hauser explains the science clearly and writes beautifully about patients' stories and his own life.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves medical memoirs or gorgeously written accounts of science, research, the patients saved, and those whose lives are dedicated to saving them.
It is a brilliant, poignant, inspiring, and informative look at the education and career of Stephen L. Hauser, M.D. -- one of the world leaders in multiple sclerosis (MS) research.
Readers without a medical background will find this book fascinating too, as Dr. Hauser explains the science clearly and writes beautifully about patients' stories and his own life.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves medical memoirs or gorgeously written accounts of science, research, the patients saved, and those whose lives are dedicated to saving them.
February 6, 2025
Simply amazing 👏
May 23, 2023
What drives a person to pursue a specific career path?
The Face Laughs While the Brain Cries is a memoir showing us how life circumstances led a young man to become a neuroimmunologist hyper-focused on figuring out the causes of and treatments for MS.
The writing style is conversational and easy to follow. The mix of personal and medical information provides an engaging flow to the author’s story.
This memoir would be of interest to anyone living with MS, as well as readers intrigued by medical research and those who simply enjoy a good memoir.
*I received a free copy from St. Martin’s Press.*
The Face Laughs While the Brain Cries is a memoir showing us how life circumstances led a young man to become a neuroimmunologist hyper-focused on figuring out the causes of and treatments for MS.
The writing style is conversational and easy to follow. The mix of personal and medical information provides an engaging flow to the author’s story.
This memoir would be of interest to anyone living with MS, as well as readers intrigued by medical research and those who simply enjoy a good memoir.
*I received a free copy from St. Martin’s Press.*
August 31, 2023
Exceptional memoir. The "coming of age story of a doctor" tagline I have seen is the perfect description of this book. All of the life events internalized into making a brilliant, but most importantly, empathetic and compassionate doctor. Written in a clear and engaging style, even the science based last few chapters were understandable for the lay person.
January 21, 2024
The case study at the start of this book quickly had me hooked and I remained engaged throughout. As someone who has MS, I did at times find the content confronting but at others I was overwhelmingly encouraged. It helped me better understand how the medications available were developed and gave me greater confidence in them.
If you don’t have MS, this book is definitely still worth reading. Stephen’s story, and the events that lead him towards neurology, is fascinating. He is an appealing man, emanating empathy and an obvious desire to serve both his patients and those affected by autoimmune diseases. If all doctors were like Stephen Hauser, our health would certainly be in good hands!
If you don’t have MS, this book is definitely still worth reading. Stephen’s story, and the events that lead him towards neurology, is fascinating. He is an appealing man, emanating empathy and an obvious desire to serve both his patients and those affected by autoimmune diseases. If all doctors were like Stephen Hauser, our health would certainly be in good hands!
July 6, 2023
I learned so much about MS and the journey to find a drug that reduced the effects of the disease. I am glad that the author shared so many details of his life in addition to the medical and scientific process. Good read!
July 8, 2024
Dr. Hauser’s book is part memoir about his childhood, education, and early years as a young doctor and part non-fiction education about a wildly mysterious and often misunderstood illness. He delivers his story with humor and a quiet, humble nature that we all crave in our medical professionals.
As recent as the late 90’s, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) was very much “diagnose and adios,” as Dr. Hauser describes early in his memoir. Even the diagnosis was sketchy; it was more like ruling out every other possibility until nothing else was left. Compound that with a tiny fraction of the information available on the internet (can you hear that modem dial-up screech in your head?), and many MS patients were left feeling alone and confused. Dr. Hauser’s empathy for this frustrating situation is evident throughout his book.
Luckily, the landscape of MS treatment has transformed over the past 20+ years. We’ve transitioned from no treatment to a few injections that caused flu-like symptoms to now having a plethora of drugs available. The options range from shots and infusions to even oral treatments. This remarkable progress was spearheaded by doctors like Hauser and the unwavering support of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and this memoir captures the effort exceptionally well.
As recent as the late 90’s, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) was very much “diagnose and adios,” as Dr. Hauser describes early in his memoir. Even the diagnosis was sketchy; it was more like ruling out every other possibility until nothing else was left. Compound that with a tiny fraction of the information available on the internet (can you hear that modem dial-up screech in your head?), and many MS patients were left feeling alone and confused. Dr. Hauser’s empathy for this frustrating situation is evident throughout his book.
Luckily, the landscape of MS treatment has transformed over the past 20+ years. We’ve transitioned from no treatment to a few injections that caused flu-like symptoms to now having a plethora of drugs available. The options range from shots and infusions to even oral treatments. This remarkable progress was spearheaded by doctors like Hauser and the unwavering support of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and this memoir captures the effort exceptionally well.
January 24, 2024
3.5 stars! A fascinating read on the history and progress of treatments for Multiple Sclerosis. As someone with MS, I am so grateful that people like Dr. Hauser exists.
May 11, 2023
Pseudobulbar palsy is a sign that something is haywire in the brain. It is a condition where the individual may have difficulty eating and swallowing, speaking, display inappropriate emotion such as laughter or facial expressions, or uncontrollable crying. Dr. Steven Hauser uses an interesting term for it when he titles his book: The Face Laughs While the Brain Cries: The Education of a Doctor These are not the only symptoms of multiple sclerosis, of course. Loss of vision, facial or muscle weakness, pain, or tingling, gait issues, and cognitive issues, among others, can also occur. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. They affect more women than men and the age of onset tends to be between the ages of 20 and 40. Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable autoimmune disease affecting the myelin of the central nervous system. There is no cure; however, in this book, Dr. Hauser accounts his quest for an effective treatment for this debilitating disease. This is a story of hard work, of trial and effort, of human compassion, and of triumph. Congratulations and many, many thanks!
Hauser did not set out to make MS the focus of his life’s work. As a child, he began life in the South, but later moved to New York. One of his brothers, Howard, was severely mentally and physically disabled. Howard died as a child. Sadly, too, a close friend of Stephen’s died of brain cancer. Both these childhood experiences had a profound effect on Stephen. At one time, Stephen wanted to dedicate his career to solving the mystery of mental retardation. A mentor told him, however, to find something he could fix. He was fascinated with the brain and nervous system, and when he met a patient with very severe MS symptoms, he knew what direction he wanted his career path to take. That didn’t mean he stopped caring about those with mental challenges. He continued that work as well in his “spare” time.
After graduating Harvard Medical School in 1975, it was on to residency, internship, and finally, a full-fledged neurologist, all in the Boston area. During this time, he and other colleagues had begun drug trials. He discusses his concerns about the ethics of using placebos in some cases, because that means that patients are not receiving medication for their disease during the duration of the trial. He also expressed reservations about using primates for his studies, as they are so closely related to humans. Oh, and during this time, he also met Elizabeth, whom he married.
In 1989, his former chief form Massachusetts General, who was now the dean of the School of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, called him to offer him a position. While hesitant to leave the East Coast, he and Elizabeth moved with their three young children to California. The entire family loved their new environment. Life was good.
Challenges in the research continued. Funding, approval, B cells, T cells, rituximab, ocrelizumab…there were setbacks, even deaths. Through the death due to Parkinson’s of his grandfather, he had first-hand experience listening to the needs of patient, not the treating the illness, which he seemed to always do anyway, but when it’s one’s own family, it’s hard to keep emotions out of the equation. But he somehow managed to allow his cherished grandfather die with dignity. I really felt that this is how he believes all patients deserve to be treated, that he tries to see through the patient’s eyes. The research was important. Finding the answer was important, not for itself, but for a better life for each patient with multiple sclerosis.
The Face Laughs While the Brain Cries does contain medical information that may not be fully understood by laypersons (I believe the author has simplified it to the best of his ability.) I have some experience working with medical professionals, and while I did not understand the fine details, I got the gist of it. I didn’t feel that understanding every word is not necessary to appreciate this book. Dr. Hauser comes across as an extremely dedicated, caring, intelligent, highly experienced professional. Thanks for a fascinating look at a marvelous journey toward solving the mystery of MS in your life and career, Dr. Hauser. My thanks also to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a digital copy in exchange for my unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars
Hauser did not set out to make MS the focus of his life’s work. As a child, he began life in the South, but later moved to New York. One of his brothers, Howard, was severely mentally and physically disabled. Howard died as a child. Sadly, too, a close friend of Stephen’s died of brain cancer. Both these childhood experiences had a profound effect on Stephen. At one time, Stephen wanted to dedicate his career to solving the mystery of mental retardation. A mentor told him, however, to find something he could fix. He was fascinated with the brain and nervous system, and when he met a patient with very severe MS symptoms, he knew what direction he wanted his career path to take. That didn’t mean he stopped caring about those with mental challenges. He continued that work as well in his “spare” time.
After graduating Harvard Medical School in 1975, it was on to residency, internship, and finally, a full-fledged neurologist, all in the Boston area. During this time, he and other colleagues had begun drug trials. He discusses his concerns about the ethics of using placebos in some cases, because that means that patients are not receiving medication for their disease during the duration of the trial. He also expressed reservations about using primates for his studies, as they are so closely related to humans. Oh, and during this time, he also met Elizabeth, whom he married.
In 1989, his former chief form Massachusetts General, who was now the dean of the School of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, called him to offer him a position. While hesitant to leave the East Coast, he and Elizabeth moved with their three young children to California. The entire family loved their new environment. Life was good.
Challenges in the research continued. Funding, approval, B cells, T cells, rituximab, ocrelizumab…there were setbacks, even deaths. Through the death due to Parkinson’s of his grandfather, he had first-hand experience listening to the needs of patient, not the treating the illness, which he seemed to always do anyway, but when it’s one’s own family, it’s hard to keep emotions out of the equation. But he somehow managed to allow his cherished grandfather die with dignity. I really felt that this is how he believes all patients deserve to be treated, that he tries to see through the patient’s eyes. The research was important. Finding the answer was important, not for itself, but for a better life for each patient with multiple sclerosis.
The Face Laughs While the Brain Cries does contain medical information that may not be fully understood by laypersons (I believe the author has simplified it to the best of his ability.) I have some experience working with medical professionals, and while I did not understand the fine details, I got the gist of it. I didn’t feel that understanding every word is not necessary to appreciate this book. Dr. Hauser comes across as an extremely dedicated, caring, intelligent, highly experienced professional. Thanks for a fascinating look at a marvelous journey toward solving the mystery of MS in your life and career, Dr. Hauser. My thanks also to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a digital copy in exchange for my unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars
May 21, 2023
Thank you, Dr. Hauser. This book means so much to me. Knowing that you’ve accomplished so much with MS research and treatments over the past 45+ years has given me closure.
MS was a huge part of my life until age 30. My mother was diagnosed with MS right before she had me at age 27. My stepfather was also diagnosed around the same age (though he was older than her.) They had progressive MS all throughout the 80s-00s. He died in a nursing home at age 55, she died suddenly in the hospital at age 57. I was the caretaker since I was 16, though I helped my mom with many mobility issues since childhood. As a young child I just accepted my mom was different in some ways, but I was also so mad that the disease progressed at a steady rate over 30 years. I knew when they were bedridden that no meds would bring them back, but I’m delighted for those who are able to push off symptoms indefinitely through new meds that keep developing. Thank goodness.
Since the 70s, Dr. Hauser has devoted his life’s work to the cause and cure of this devastating autoimmune illness. This book explains his neurological studies quite well for the average reader. It does help if you have a general understanding of the disease if you don’t typically read medical books. I was especially engrossed by the cases he delved into. Did I compare a lot to my own life? Well, of course. But again, reading about all the symptoms and internal neurological scarring made me feel not so alone. There is no doubt this was my parents disease.
Dr. Hauser is very professional, but you can see these patients have touched his heart. He worked tirelessly to push for new clinical trials and studies, and it’s just so good to know he was fighting for MS patients behind-the-scenes for all these decades. MS wasn’t talked about very much until the last 10 years. I am grateful that doctors like him are still fighting. Additionally, his youth leading into adulthood was very interesting. I’m glad he included those vignettes and background, especially about his younger ill brother.
Lastly, the title affected me because my mom had helpless laughing fits towards the end of her life - the pseudobulbar effect. And she would say, “If I don’t laugh, I’ll just cry.”
Thank you NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
MS was a huge part of my life until age 30. My mother was diagnosed with MS right before she had me at age 27. My stepfather was also diagnosed around the same age (though he was older than her.) They had progressive MS all throughout the 80s-00s. He died in a nursing home at age 55, she died suddenly in the hospital at age 57. I was the caretaker since I was 16, though I helped my mom with many mobility issues since childhood. As a young child I just accepted my mom was different in some ways, but I was also so mad that the disease progressed at a steady rate over 30 years. I knew when they were bedridden that no meds would bring them back, but I’m delighted for those who are able to push off symptoms indefinitely through new meds that keep developing. Thank goodness.
Since the 70s, Dr. Hauser has devoted his life’s work to the cause and cure of this devastating autoimmune illness. This book explains his neurological studies quite well for the average reader. It does help if you have a general understanding of the disease if you don’t typically read medical books. I was especially engrossed by the cases he delved into. Did I compare a lot to my own life? Well, of course. But again, reading about all the symptoms and internal neurological scarring made me feel not so alone. There is no doubt this was my parents disease.
Dr. Hauser is very professional, but you can see these patients have touched his heart. He worked tirelessly to push for new clinical trials and studies, and it’s just so good to know he was fighting for MS patients behind-the-scenes for all these decades. MS wasn’t talked about very much until the last 10 years. I am grateful that doctors like him are still fighting. Additionally, his youth leading into adulthood was very interesting. I’m glad he included those vignettes and background, especially about his younger ill brother.
Lastly, the title affected me because my mom had helpless laughing fits towards the end of her life - the pseudobulbar effect. And she would say, “If I don’t laugh, I’ll just cry.”
Thank you NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 13, 2023
A fascinating and spell-binding look at one man’s odyssey to understand and alleviate the terrible disease that is MS.
We meet the author initially as a child, following him through his early exposure to a devastating neurological medical mystery within his own family, that starts him down the path that will culminate in his both becoming a doctor, as well as informing his focus on the specialty of neurology. Decades later, as the adult Dr. Hauser repeatedly runs up against the ravages of MS in his clinical practice, he embarks on a lifelong journey to help stem the tide of the increasingly prevalent autoimmune disorder. From early clues centered on B cells, which are produced in bone marrow and have far-reaching effects on the entire human immune response, years of research eventually lead to massively successful treatment options, as well as insights into causation. All of which that, at the hands of the author and his colleagues, lead to life-altering impacts on the lives of MS patients all around the world.
A beautifully written memoir, touching on the personal as well as the scientific, this is a wonderful read, and one that is sure to interest readers of memoirs as well as those interested in trailblazing medical non-fiction.
Note: in terms of full disclosure, sections describing experiments on marmosets, which, although fully ethically managed and detailed, were skipped to avoid triggers for this reader.
A great big thank you to the author, the publisher, and goodreads-giveaway for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
**** four and a half stars
We meet the author initially as a child, following him through his early exposure to a devastating neurological medical mystery within his own family, that starts him down the path that will culminate in his both becoming a doctor, as well as informing his focus on the specialty of neurology. Decades later, as the adult Dr. Hauser repeatedly runs up against the ravages of MS in his clinical practice, he embarks on a lifelong journey to help stem the tide of the increasingly prevalent autoimmune disorder. From early clues centered on B cells, which are produced in bone marrow and have far-reaching effects on the entire human immune response, years of research eventually lead to massively successful treatment options, as well as insights into causation. All of which that, at the hands of the author and his colleagues, lead to life-altering impacts on the lives of MS patients all around the world.
A beautifully written memoir, touching on the personal as well as the scientific, this is a wonderful read, and one that is sure to interest readers of memoirs as well as those interested in trailblazing medical non-fiction.
Note: in terms of full disclosure, sections describing experiments on marmosets, which, although fully ethically managed and detailed, were skipped to avoid triggers for this reader.
A great big thank you to the author, the publisher, and goodreads-giveaway for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
**** four and a half stars
June 10, 2023
There seems to be a genre of recently published books about retired doctors looking back on their lives. I find it fascinating to follow the story from childhood to successful medical career with all the challenges both expected and unexpected. In this memoir by Dr. Stephen Hauser we have a rich story of a high achieving successful student who eventually directed his studies toward researching the cause and treatment for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It was remarkable to read of the ease with which he tackled academics at MIT and Harvard Medical School, all the while making great friends and enjoying the challenges.
The story of how he got into the field of neuroscience and why he directed his focus on MS was a significant part of his memoir. I can’t fault him for going into the details of his research, which, although I’m sure simplified for the general audience, did tend to slow things down. Getting through it, I felt I had taken an intro to neuroscience. Having said that, it did make me appreciate even more his accomplishment on changing the understanding of the medical community toward this serious condition. It also made clear this was a four decades long journey, not a Eureka moment.
It should be pointed out — as he regularly did — that he did not accomplish this achievement alone. His friendships, colleagues and the respect he earned within the medical community created a loyal working team of scientists contributing ideas, man hours and resources leading to medical breakthroughs in the understanding of MS and how to treat it.
Almost daily we read of advances in medicine. This book was a wonderful testament to the time and dedication involved in what the public sees only after the fact.
The story of how he got into the field of neuroscience and why he directed his focus on MS was a significant part of his memoir. I can’t fault him for going into the details of his research, which, although I’m sure simplified for the general audience, did tend to slow things down. Getting through it, I felt I had taken an intro to neuroscience. Having said that, it did make me appreciate even more his accomplishment on changing the understanding of the medical community toward this serious condition. It also made clear this was a four decades long journey, not a Eureka moment.
It should be pointed out — as he regularly did — that he did not accomplish this achievement alone. His friendships, colleagues and the respect he earned within the medical community created a loyal working team of scientists contributing ideas, man hours and resources leading to medical breakthroughs in the understanding of MS and how to treat it.
Almost daily we read of advances in medicine. This book was a wonderful testament to the time and dedication involved in what the public sees only after the fact.
May 24, 2023
I just finished The Face Laughs while the Brain Cries by Stephen L. Hauser M.D and here are my thoughts.
Stephen Hauser is an M.D who specializes in neuroimmunology and his work has revolutionized our understanding of MS and developed the only therapy for the autoimmune disease.
This book is a memoir based book with a lot of excellent information on autoimmune diseases which I loved personally because I myself have rheumatoid arthritis, a very aggressive autoimmune disease that attacks the joints and organs.
The book was so well written and the fact that he came from a modest upbringing and had challenges, was so inspiring. It was a super easy read full of great information and so very entertaining at the same time. I don’t read much in the way of memoirs but wow, this one was so good I couldn’t put it down.
The memoir covers most of his life and it was never a dull moment and he truly made me believe anything is possible. His success came at a price and he used his losses to make the world better for people with MS. A true hero!
5 stars - Thank you @stmartinspress for my gifted copy.
#nonfiction #stephenlhauser #thefacelaughswhilethebraincries #smp #smpinfluencer
Stephen Hauser is an M.D who specializes in neuroimmunology and his work has revolutionized our understanding of MS and developed the only therapy for the autoimmune disease.
This book is a memoir based book with a lot of excellent information on autoimmune diseases which I loved personally because I myself have rheumatoid arthritis, a very aggressive autoimmune disease that attacks the joints and organs.
The book was so well written and the fact that he came from a modest upbringing and had challenges, was so inspiring. It was a super easy read full of great information and so very entertaining at the same time. I don’t read much in the way of memoirs but wow, this one was so good I couldn’t put it down.
The memoir covers most of his life and it was never a dull moment and he truly made me believe anything is possible. His success came at a price and he used his losses to make the world better for people with MS. A true hero!
5 stars - Thank you @stmartinspress for my gifted copy.
#nonfiction #stephenlhauser #thefacelaughswhilethebraincries #smp #smpinfluencer
April 9, 2023
The Face Laughs While The Brain Cries
The Education of a Doctor
Author: Stephen L. Hauser, M. D.
Pub Date: May 23, 2023
Thank you to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the #gifted copy of this book.
After reading this book I have had the chance to reflect about how thankful I am for people like Dr. Stephen Hauser. The perseverance and drive over his lifetime is why people are able to prolong life! He is truly one of God’s gifts.
This book is a memoir of his life and journey to become one of the worlds leaders in MS research. Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects so many people yet for so many years we have had so few answers. Dr. Hauser spends his entire life dedicated to trying to understand MS, whether it is caused by a virus or hereditary or environmental. He describes his personal journey, some patients individual stories, the trials, tribulations, setbacks, and wins!
I’m forever amazed by powerful our brains really are and how dedication by so many relentless and talented people make a difference in science. Thank you for sharing your story and for all of your hard work!
The Education of a Doctor
Author: Stephen L. Hauser, M. D.
Pub Date: May 23, 2023
Thank you to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the #gifted copy of this book.
After reading this book I have had the chance to reflect about how thankful I am for people like Dr. Stephen Hauser. The perseverance and drive over his lifetime is why people are able to prolong life! He is truly one of God’s gifts.
This book is a memoir of his life and journey to become one of the worlds leaders in MS research. Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects so many people yet for so many years we have had so few answers. Dr. Hauser spends his entire life dedicated to trying to understand MS, whether it is caused by a virus or hereditary or environmental. He describes his personal journey, some patients individual stories, the trials, tribulations, setbacks, and wins!
I’m forever amazed by powerful our brains really are and how dedication by so many relentless and talented people make a difference in science. Thank you for sharing your story and for all of your hard work!
May 1, 2023
Autoimmunity. Monoclonal anitbodies. CD20. B cells. T cells. Research facilities. Medical scientists. Why does any of this matter?
In The Face Laughs While the Brain Cries, Dr. Stephen Hauser takes the reader with him through his journey getting his medical degree and then into a new world of medical research. Early in his medical career he becomes fixated on MS and the myriad ways it presents in different patients, what causes this devastating disease, and what treatment can he offer to his patients.
While he writes about his research from around the world, he does so using language that even those without medical backgrounds can understand and follow. He opens the world of clinical trials, FDA approval, and the eve elusive funding for new medicine, showing the good, the bad, and the frightening. Through it all, Dr. Hauser never loses touch with the patients and how all of these things affect their lives.
Even readers who have only a slight interest in what goes on when searching for treatment for diseases will find this book fascinating, just as I did.
In The Face Laughs While the Brain Cries, Dr. Stephen Hauser takes the reader with him through his journey getting his medical degree and then into a new world of medical research. Early in his medical career he becomes fixated on MS and the myriad ways it presents in different patients, what causes this devastating disease, and what treatment can he offer to his patients.
While he writes about his research from around the world, he does so using language that even those without medical backgrounds can understand and follow. He opens the world of clinical trials, FDA approval, and the eve elusive funding for new medicine, showing the good, the bad, and the frightening. Through it all, Dr. Hauser never loses touch with the patients and how all of these things affect their lives.
Even readers who have only a slight interest in what goes on when searching for treatment for diseases will find this book fascinating, just as I did.
July 6, 2023
Dr Hauser has dedicated his work to understanding and finding a treatment for Multiple Sclerosis. He (and his team) found the only therapy in place for progressive MS patients.
👨⚕️This book is easy to read- which isn't usually the case with nonfiction books based on medicine. It is written more like a story. I think Dr Hauser's family and his atypical upbringing helped to mold him into a kind, caring Doctor who sees the whole patient, not just an "illness" to diagnose. I was very impressed with his tenacity and drive as much as I was impressed with his bedside manner and humble personality. This book is not just a list of his achievements (which, if it was me, I'd probably want everyone to clap for me as I walk by if I ever did anything half as valuable as Dr Hauser has). He consistently draws the attention from himself to the patient and their stories, to philanthropists, colleagues, industry leaders, the MS foundation and especially his wife. This was a wonderful book, and it brings awareness to an illness that many people suffer from.
I highly recommend this one!
👨⚕️This book is easy to read- which isn't usually the case with nonfiction books based on medicine. It is written more like a story. I think Dr Hauser's family and his atypical upbringing helped to mold him into a kind, caring Doctor who sees the whole patient, not just an "illness" to diagnose. I was very impressed with his tenacity and drive as much as I was impressed with his bedside manner and humble personality. This book is not just a list of his achievements (which, if it was me, I'd probably want everyone to clap for me as I walk by if I ever did anything half as valuable as Dr Hauser has). He consistently draws the attention from himself to the patient and their stories, to philanthropists, colleagues, industry leaders, the MS foundation and especially his wife. This was a wonderful book, and it brings awareness to an illness that many people suffer from.
I highly recommend this one!
June 18, 2023
𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬.
This was a fascinating journey! Dr. Hauser delights us with a memoir, taking us back with him to his childhood, and onward to his amazing venture towards science and medicine. The writing style was easy to follow, and I really enjoyed the mix of medical information and his personal experiences.
𝐀 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.
I think this book explains the medical side fairly well for the average reader. I found it all very interesting! It gave me a new found respect for people in the scientific and medial world. I can not express how grateful I am for all that they do. The life altering impacts of what they have done is magnificent.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐢𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭.
This was a wonderful read, and one I would most certainly recommend. It is touching, yet also very informative. If you enjoy memoirs or medical non-fiction I think you will enjoy The Face Laughs While the Brain Cries.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
𝘏𝘶𝘨𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 St. Martin's Press 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.
This was a fascinating journey! Dr. Hauser delights us with a memoir, taking us back with him to his childhood, and onward to his amazing venture towards science and medicine. The writing style was easy to follow, and I really enjoyed the mix of medical information and his personal experiences.
𝐀 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.
I think this book explains the medical side fairly well for the average reader. I found it all very interesting! It gave me a new found respect for people in the scientific and medial world. I can not express how grateful I am for all that they do. The life altering impacts of what they have done is magnificent.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐢𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭.
This was a wonderful read, and one I would most certainly recommend. It is touching, yet also very informative. If you enjoy memoirs or medical non-fiction I think you will enjoy The Face Laughs While the Brain Cries.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
𝘏𝘶𝘨𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 St. Martin's Press 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.
May 26, 2023
This book has a “split personality”. Portions of the book cover the author’s biography - his family life, schooling, friends, meeting his future wife and their life together. Those parts of the book are pleasant and easily understood. The medical science portions where the author describes his work to understand MS and how it develops and behaves and then goes on to explain the development of several medicines and procedures to treat MS was much more challenging for me.
I was interested in this book as I have family members who have struggled with MS. Unfortunately a significant portion of this book was so technical that I wasn’t able to always comprehend the details.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest voluntary review. In general I appreciated this book and the success that was achieved for treatment of MS.
I was interested in this book as I have family members who have struggled with MS. Unfortunately a significant portion of this book was so technical that I wasn’t able to always comprehend the details.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest voluntary review. In general I appreciated this book and the success that was achieved for treatment of MS.
October 27, 2023
The book starts off during President Carter’s years. A young doctor who would change the world for MS patients. I was a little girl when President Cater was in office, he is the first president I remember. To think at that time I would someday benefit from this young doctor who would go on to discover the drug that would help me at age 48 is mind boggling!
I have MS and take Ocrevus , the b depleting cell treatment that Dr. Hauser brought into existence with a team of others. I’m so so grateful , I watched a friend in the early 90s cripple and die from MS so I know how cruel it can be!
This book shares his life from the very beginning and how his own personal story gave him a love of neurology and a strong calling toward helping patients with multiple sclerosis. I enjoyed every minute of it!
I have MS and take Ocrevus , the b depleting cell treatment that Dr. Hauser brought into existence with a team of others. I’m so so grateful , I watched a friend in the early 90s cripple and die from MS so I know how cruel it can be!
This book shares his life from the very beginning and how his own personal story gave him a love of neurology and a strong calling toward helping patients with multiple sclerosis. I enjoyed every minute of it!
February 5, 2023
Brains are mysterious things, as is Multiple Sclerosis, the basis of this doctor's book.
MS has been more prevalent in the media as it has come out that Selma Blair and Christina Applegate both have the disease. I actually google "Celebrities with MS" and they are not alone. Who else has it? Terri Garr, Ann Romney, Jack Osborne, Trevor Baine, Tamia Hill, Noah '40' Shebib, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Montel Williams, and CNN's John King. (Okay, I don't know who they all are, but maybe you do!)
I would not call this a casual read, but I would call it an excellent read. I would recommend it more for book clubs and people into the medical genre. Well written, accessible and utterly fascinating...that's why it is worthy of 5 stars.
MS has been more prevalent in the media as it has come out that Selma Blair and Christina Applegate both have the disease. I actually google "Celebrities with MS" and they are not alone. Who else has it? Terri Garr, Ann Romney, Jack Osborne, Trevor Baine, Tamia Hill, Noah '40' Shebib, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Montel Williams, and CNN's John King. (Okay, I don't know who they all are, but maybe you do!)
I would not call this a casual read, but I would call it an excellent read. I would recommend it more for book clubs and people into the medical genre. Well written, accessible and utterly fascinating...that's why it is worthy of 5 stars.
May 4, 2023
Dr. Stephen Hauser delineates how he became interested in medicine, especially autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, and how this fascination led to some significant breakthroughs in knowledge and treatment.
While the majority of the book covers his quest to uncover multiple sclerosis’s secrets, Hauser reveals how his background primed his subsequent interest, and his early years include some colorful characters. In the later sections of the book, Hauser ably distills the complex scientific issues so that a layman can understand the general concepts. “The Face Laughs While the Brain Cries” is an interesting and informative read.
I received an electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
While the majority of the book covers his quest to uncover multiple sclerosis’s secrets, Hauser reveals how his background primed his subsequent interest, and his early years include some colorful characters. In the later sections of the book, Hauser ably distills the complex scientific issues so that a layman can understand the general concepts. “The Face Laughs While the Brain Cries” is an interesting and informative read.
I received an electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2023
Dr. Stephen Hauser is a doctor and scientist who has devoted much of his career to the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. This memoir covers his entire life, career motivations and the clinical trials that lead to an affective treatment for MS. I enjoy memoirs from medical doctors because I know from the experience of having a child with medical issues that a good doctor makes all the difference. Dr. Hauser’s early life experience losing a brother who suffered from neurological damage has inspired him to better care for his patients and their treatment. The book does at times get technical but it is all interesting and the personal anecdotes break up the narrative before it ever gets boring.
I received a digital Advanced Readers Copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
I received a digital Advanced Readers Copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
May 26, 2023
This is an exceptional book. Part memoir, part detective story, part science - it’s the story of Dr. Hauser’s and colleagues around the world to understand multiple scenarios and find a medication that is effective.
The book reads almost like a novel; the writing is that good. I could barely put it down as I learned about MS and how medications are developed and tested. I recommend this book to anyone who has MS, knows someone who has it, or someone, like me, who has an inquiring mind and an interest in science and medicine.
Many physicians don’t write very well for the lay audience. Dr. Hauser does, and I commend him for his quest and his ability to keep this reader, at least, very interested.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher.
The book reads almost like a novel; the writing is that good. I could barely put it down as I learned about MS and how medications are developed and tested. I recommend this book to anyone who has MS, knows someone who has it, or someone, like me, who has an inquiring mind and an interest in science and medicine.
Many physicians don’t write very well for the lay audience. Dr. Hauser does, and I commend him for his quest and his ability to keep this reader, at least, very interested.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher.
June 6, 2023
This memoir is mesmerizing. Beginning in his youth, Stephen Hauser recalls memories of family and it's fun reading especially about the family shoe business and bittersweet as he recalls a medical condition his brother has been diagnosed. He seamlessly writes about his college years and his fascination with autoimmune disease and becoming a doctor.
The Face Laughs While the Brain Cries is an approachable read regarding the work and patience it takes to come up with an alternative medication for MS. It's quite remarkable. I appreciate that this book didn't get bogged down in technical medical jargon.
As much as I enjoyed the medical aspect, the personal reflections on family brought this book to life.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance copy.
The Face Laughs While the Brain Cries is an approachable read regarding the work and patience it takes to come up with an alternative medication for MS. It's quite remarkable. I appreciate that this book didn't get bogged down in technical medical jargon.
As much as I enjoyed the medical aspect, the personal reflections on family brought this book to life.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance copy.
June 7, 2023
Thank you St. Martin's Press for the gifted copy!
What an incredible memoir! I loved reading about Dr. Stephen L. Hauser's early years as a resident and why he wanted to become a doctor. Dr. Hauser's writing is filled with passion, inspiration, and a wealth of knowledge. He shares patient stories, lots of research on drug therapies to make patients more comfortable while living with MS flare-ups, and hopefully a cure that will knockout MS altogether.
I enjoyed the medical terminology and learning more about autoimmune diseases, B cells, myelin, and why MS is mild in some patients and devastating in others.
Thank you, Dr. Hauser for all of your remarkable contributions!
Highly recommend!
What an incredible memoir! I loved reading about Dr. Stephen L. Hauser's early years as a resident and why he wanted to become a doctor. Dr. Hauser's writing is filled with passion, inspiration, and a wealth of knowledge. He shares patient stories, lots of research on drug therapies to make patients more comfortable while living with MS flare-ups, and hopefully a cure that will knockout MS altogether.
I enjoyed the medical terminology and learning more about autoimmune diseases, B cells, myelin, and why MS is mild in some patients and devastating in others.
Thank you, Dr. Hauser for all of your remarkable contributions!
Highly recommend!
January 7, 2025
A book by Neurologist, Stephen Hauser, who assisted in the foundation of creating Ocrevus, is my most recent read.
I had my infusion today and I felt it was the perfect book to start last week.
I highly recommend it, to read a story similar to a memoir of his life, his patients with Ms lived, and ultimately showcasing Ocrevus and its impact on people with Ms. Here are some hilights I made while reading it.
I also never thought of weight being a contender. I do not think we get Ocrevus in millimeters dependent on our weight (correct me if I am wrong). I have a better reason to get even more fit after reading this.
5/5. Highly recommend someone with MS to read this book or someone that has a loved one with MS.
I had my infusion today and I felt it was the perfect book to start last week.
I highly recommend it, to read a story similar to a memoir of his life, his patients with Ms lived, and ultimately showcasing Ocrevus and its impact on people with Ms. Here are some hilights I made while reading it.
I also never thought of weight being a contender. I do not think we get Ocrevus in millimeters dependent on our weight (correct me if I am wrong). I have a better reason to get even more fit after reading this.
5/5. Highly recommend someone with MS to read this book or someone that has a loved one with MS.
February 26, 2025
Enjoyed the book & learned a lot about the treatment and the journey of the treatment for MS. Well written and well researched that provides many footnotes for the lay reader to grasp the medical/science jargon. Dr. Hauser did a great job summarizing and connecting the dots from over the years and his passion is evident throughout.
“And as my horizons widened, the ties that bind begin to fray. Family sacrifices everything to get you somewhere different, better, but when you get there, you become a different person. The memories of events that took place across nearly two decades, these remain, at least the important ones. But their emotional significance is now shared with other, more recent things: life with friends, the thrill of learning science, and new vistas.”
“And as my horizons widened, the ties that bind begin to fray. Family sacrifices everything to get you somewhere different, better, but when you get there, you become a different person. The memories of events that took place across nearly two decades, these remain, at least the important ones. But their emotional significance is now shared with other, more recent things: life with friends, the thrill of learning science, and new vistas.”
April 18, 2023
The book chronicles a remarkable 40-year journey of research and experimentation, culminating in the identification of a particular cell, the B cell, in the immune system as a key player in multiple sclerosis (MS). Through the author's tireless efforts and collaboration with a dedicated team of researchers, a new class of drugs known as ocrelizumab was tested to effectively target and eliminate these troublesome B cells, offering new hope for those suffering from MS. This autobiography provides an insightful and inspiring account of the groundbreaking scientific advancements and personal struggles that ultimately led to this life-changing medical breakthrough.
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