Cutting a Path: The Power of Purpose, Discipline, and Determination

by Sheri Dewan

Becoming a doctor is hard. Becoming a surgeon, even harder. Becoming a neurosurgeon as an Indian woman who wants to have a healthy work-home life balance and kids? Almost impossible. But not for Dr. Sheri Dewan.
Always interested in science growing up, it wasn't until neurosurgery saved her mother's life from a ruptured brain aneurysm that Dr. Dewan started on the path toward becoming one of about two hundred female neurosurgeons in the United States. The trials, tribulations, and wrath of not only her unsupportive male colleagues, but some female as well, helped to shape Dr. Dewan into the confident neurosurgeon and woman she is today. Cutting a The Power of Purpose, Discipline, and Determination is the inspiring, eye-opening memoir of how Dr. Dewan overcame numerous personal and professional obstacles to reach her dream. Braided with advice that is applicable to anyone facing adversity achieving their career goals, her story will make you ask yourself, "When the world tests you, do you have what it takes to shut out the noise, check in with yourself, and follow your passion?"

192 pages, Hardcover

Published May 2, 2023

Reviews

[Mirelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I follow Dr. Dewan on Twitter. When I learned that she was publishing a book, I became so excited and eagerly waited to read it for several months. It was totally worth it! It's always a pleasure to get to know the stories of inspirational women worldwide.

[Maryam Bolouri · Rating 4 out of 5]

really compelling story of Dr. Dewan’s journey to becoming a neurosurgeon, highlighting the persistent discrimination she faced as a woman entering a field of predominantly white men. I really enjoyed learning more about the life of a neurosurgeon, the pre-OR rituals and the struggle to maintain balance. I found that the personal narrative aspect of this book was stronger than the short tidbits of advice at the end of each chapter; I was more interested in Dr. Dewan’s story than these summative remarks. There was a little bit of a “hero” attitude but it didn’t take away from the narrative.

[Katie Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craving perfection as a woman in healthcare is a topic not talked about enough. Dr. Dewan created an outstanding story.

[Holly Brolsma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this in two days! As a woman who wants to go into ortho, I found this book absolutely illuminating and inspiring. Not a dry read at all, but one that hooks you in and keeps you turning the pages, both because of the storytelling as well as the message. And who could not love a book that makes a Princess Bride reference?!

[Shivani Chaudhary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, so aptly narrated. Deeply resonated to my home country residency training experiences as well current abroad research fellowship experiences. all I take from it is everything you aim for remains possible until you don't give up. Reading this makes me kinder to myself and others and to believe in yourself.

[Kaya F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible read for anyone going into medicine or with lofty goals in general!! I plan to reread and annotate because she gives incredible advice, especially for women entering traditionally male-dominated spaces.

[Katie Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down!

[Zach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though it felt a bit repetitive at times, Dr. Dewan’s story remains inspiring even through its depiction of some gruesome realities within the medical field.

[ᖴᗩTᗰI · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely worth the wait, it's always a pleasure to learn about the stories of inspiring women around the world.
I highly recommend reading it

[asma · Rating 5 out of 5]

[5/5]

wow. just wow
incredible and a must-read for all female physicians.