Abraham Verghese is a distinguished American physician and author, currently serving as the Linda R. Meier and Joan F. Lane Provostial Professor of Medicine at Stanford University Medical School. His career is marked by a commitment to enhancing the human experience in medicine, where he holds the position of Vice Chair for the Theory & Practice of Medicine and directs the Internal Medicine Clerkship. Verghese’s influence extends beyond academia; he is also a co-host of the Medscape podcast “Medicine and the Machine,” where he discusses the intersection of medicine and technology.

Verghese’s journey in medicine began in Ethiopia, where he started his medical training before moving to the United States amidst civil unrest. His early experiences as a hospital orderly profoundly shaped his understanding of patient care. After completing his medical education in India, he returned to the U.S. for residency and fellowship, where he encountered the HIV epidemic. This pivotal moment inspired him to write about the human aspects of medicine, leading to his first memoir, “My Own Country: A Doctor’s Story,” which received critical acclaim and was adapted into a film.

In addition to his memoirs, Verghese authored the bestselling novel “Cutting for Stone,” which remained on The New York Times bestseller list for over two years. His latest work, “The Covenant of Water,” published in 2023, was selected for Oprah’s Book Club and has garnered significant recognition, further solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in contemporary literature.

Throughout his career, Verghese has received numerous accolades, including the National Humanities Medal presented by President Obama and the Heinz Award in the Arts and Humanities. His dedication to the integration of medical humanities into medical education has transformed how future physicians approach patient care, emphasizing the importance of empathy and the physical examination in an increasingly technology-driven field. Verghese continues to inspire both medical professionals and readers alike with his profound insights into the art of healing and storytelling.