Mountains Beyond Mountains - The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, A Man Would Cure The World

Title: Mountains Beyond Mountains - - The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, A Man Would Cure The World
Author: Tracy Kidder
Publication Information: Random House Inc. 2004. 335 pages.

Book Source: I read this book based on a recommendation from a friend.

Favorite Quote: "We're all human beings."

Mountains Beyond Mountains - The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, A Man Would Cure The World is the inspiring story of Dr. Paul Farmer, an American medical anthropologist and physician. He is one of the founder of Partners In Health. The organization began in an effort to bring medical facilities to the poor in the central plains of Haiti. It has grown into a worldwide health organization. It made possible the treatment of diseases like AIDS and multi-drug resistant tuberculosis for the poorest of the populations in many parts of the world including Haiti, Peru, and Russia.

This book tells the story of Dr. Farmer's passion and his work. In addition, it tells the story of Dr. Farmer, the individual as he struggles to balance personal and family needs with the needs of his work.

The book, as a book, accomplished what it set out to do. It brought to life an inspirational story. The individuals come to life. Some of the medical cases are heart wrenching. Some of the situations described can be beyond understanding if you have never experienced a part of the world where such poverty exists. I have to say I did skim through parts. I was awed by the magnitude of what they overcame and the magnitude of what they accomplished. I got that understanding even while skimming the book.

As a story, the book is inspirational. It reminds us of the amazing things one person - or a small group of dedicated people - can accomplish. Dr. Farmer and his colleagues have truly changed the lives of the population they serve. They started with the knowledge that something needed to be done. And they did it. Many times, they did it at the expense of their personal lives. They continue to work for their mission day in and day out following Dr. Farmer's philosophy that "the only real nation is humanity."