In the medical realm, Dr. Abraham Verghese has dedicated his life to educating medical students on the vital significance of bedside manner. However, he has uncovered another calling as the acclaimed author of the New York Times bestseller, “The Covenant of Water,” a poignant novel that explores the intertwined lives of a family in India navigating love, loss, and the depths of human connection.
Join Dr. Verghese as he engages in a fascinating conversation with LA News Center correspondent, Tracy Smith. They delve into his courageous journey of uprooting his family to pursue his passion for writing at the University of Iowa.
Furthermore, they uncover the transformative moment when Dr. Verghese received the esteemed news that his latest work had been selected for Oprah’s Book Club.
A Lifeline of Empathy: The Power of Bedside Manner
As a physician at Stanford University’s School of Medicine, Dr. Verghese has witnessed firsthand the profound impact of compassionate patient care. He emphasizes the transformative power of simple gestures, such as holding a patient’s hand or listening attentively to their stories.
Dr. Verghese believes that fostering empathy among future doctors is paramount. By incorporating humanities into the medical curriculum, he empowers students to develop a holistic understanding of their patients’ experiences, which ultimately leads to more empathetic and effective healthcare.
Embarking on a Writing Adventure
Dr. Verghese’s passion for storytelling ignited while practicing medicine in rural Tennessee. It was there that he recognized the compelling narratives hidden within the lives of his patients.
“I started writing because I missed my patients,” Dr. Verghese confides. “I wanted to find a way to stay connected to their stories, even after they left my office.”
Inspired by the works of literary greats such as Anton Chekhov and Gabriel GarcĂa Márquez, Dr. Verghese embarked on a writing program at the University of Iowa. His decision to relocate his family for this endeavor demonstrated his unwavering commitment to his literary aspirations.
Oprah’s Seal of Approval: A Life-Changing Moment
In 2023, Dr. Verghese received the life-altering news that “The Covenant of Water” had been selected for Oprah Winfrey’s prestigious Book Club. This accolade not only catapulted the novel to bestseller status but also brought its themes of family, empathy, and the enduring power of storytelling to a vast audience.
For Dr. Verghese, it was a surreal and deeply humbling moment. “It was like being given a magic wand,” he recalls. “Suddenly, I had the opportunity to share my characters and their stories with millions of people.”
The Healing Properties of Storytelling
Through his captivating novels, Dr. Verghese transports readers to different cultures and historical eras, inviting them to grapple with universal human experiences. He believes that storytelling has an intrinsic healing power, allowing us to connect with one another, to better understand ourselves, and to find solace and inspiration in the face of adversity.
Dr. Abraham Verghese’s unique journey as both a physician and an author is a testament to the interconnectedness of humanity, the healing properties of empathy, and the boundless power of storytelling. Through his thought-provoking works, he continues to inspire countless individuals to embrace compassion, cultivate their own voices, and find solace in the written word.
As Dr. Verghese eloquently states, “Stories are like medicine. They can heal, they can inspire, and they can bring us together.”
