Mountains Beyond Mountains is a non-fiction book written by Tracy Kidder, first published in 2003. The book tells the story of Dr. Paul Farmer, an American physician and anthropologist who has dedicated his life to providing healthcare to impoverished communities around the world.
Throughout the book, Kidder follows Farmer as he travels to Haiti, Peru, and Russia, working tirelessly to bring medical care to those who would otherwise have none. Farmer's approach to healthcare is holistic, recognizing that poverty, inequality, and social injustice all contribute to the poor health outcomes experienced by many marginalized communities.
One of the key themes of the book is Farmer's belief that everyone has the right to healthcare, regardless of their socio-economic status or where they happen to live. He is deeply committed to this idea, and is willing to go to great lengths to ensure that people have access to the medical care they need. This includes fighting against bureaucracies and entrenched systems of power, and working to bring about real change at the societal level.
Another theme of the book is the importance of collaboration and community-building. Farmer recognizes that he cannot solve the complex problems facing marginalized communities on his own, and he works closely with local leaders, healthcare workers, and community members to create sustainable solutions. He also seeks out partnerships with organizations and individuals who share his vision, including Partners In Health, a non-profit organization founded by Farmer and others.
Overall, Mountains Beyond Mountains is a powerful and inspiring book that showcases the transformative impact one person can have when they are driven by a deep sense of purpose and compassion. It is a reminder of the potential we all have to make a difference in the world, and of the importance of working together to create a more just and equitable society.
MOUNTAINS BEYOND MOUNTAINS
. One question that is raised is how organizations that are so strongly based on remarkable individuals can persist when that individual is no longer personally involved. Farmer finds the people whose needs are most urgent, and takes them inside immediately. Farmer became a controversial figure in world medicine, primarily as the result of his stance on two issues. Paul Farmer, I would naturally award it 5 stars.
For anyone who yearns to "make a difference" but feels overwhelmed at where to start, this book will inspire you, maybe even shock you. Perhaps I should have read this by choice instead of because it was assigned. . There is a line in it that says something to the effect of: Don't let perfect get in the way of good. Farmer had an experience in Haiti during his college years which changed the course of his life and world view. It takes sustained effort of actually doing the work, year after year. The proverb has helped me be patient in my business and allowed me to choose to live a life of adventure.
I do a lot of the things behind-the-scenes, stuff that if you've ever been sick or needed surgery you might not think about because on your end it's sort of all like magic - one minute you're talking to the doctor and then the next you're having surgery. Implementing medical care is particularly challenging in underserved areas in which very few of the individuals that live there have adequate training to be able to contribute to the health of their communities. I don't know why. Whatever problems there may be with world-wide health, a lot more could be accomplished by everyone doing a little than by one man driving himself beyond all reasonable limits. Many times, in reading about the work, I'd think what have I done? What I got out of this book was that, basically, if you weren't helping the sick in Haiti, then you suck.
Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder Plot Summary
He enlists the help of the Gates Foundation, George Soros, the U. I have far to go. Kidder follows Farmer through a typical day. Even my mentor who used to look at the wounds of his fellow church-goers. In 1990, the Catholic priest Jean-Bertrand Aristide was elected president of Haiti; however, next year, he was overthrown by a military coup supported by the United States. Paul Farmer demonstrates the potential positive impact we can have on these conditions as individuals.
Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World by Tracy Kidder
The good that this doctor has brought about and continues to bring about, and the good that the book has brought about by publicizing this, is hard to overestimate. Every morning in Haiti, Farmer goes to his offices in Zanmi Lasante. Farmer's books and really enjoyed it. How he ever finds time to write, publish, and address conventions is beyond me. Farmer deserves the attention, but also because a sensitive and graceful writer like Tracy Kidder has chosen to tell his story. Famer responds that "'If so, it's surely the most inclusive damn club in the world, being full of people with AIDS, WL's galore, tons of students, church ladies, lots of patients, and it's a club that grows and never shrinks" 217.
Let's make sure people are inspired by him. Farmer met Didi in Haiti, and together, they have a small child, Catherine. Reading it made me feel a connection to Dr. Paul Farmer brought treatment for TB, AIDS and Malaria to thousands of people in Haiti, Russia, and Peru. TB medication is important, but feeding your children will always be a priority. The book talks through all the different social problems that hurt the health of Haitians. One person can make a difference.
An engaging, admiring, and insightful portrait of an uncompromising, civic-minded, visionary artist. This book really encapsulates what I imagine Paul Farmer's credo is; that is to say, fuck the idea of appropriate technology, sustainability and cost-effectiveness this is human suffering that we are flapping our tongues about. He has a wonderful way of screwing down on some of the worst behaviors of humanity—how we habituate ourselves to the misery of others, the absurd self-regard of the medical profession—while mostly not coming across as churlish or self-righteous. It is solely about providing medical attention. Just as any of Paul Farmer's imperfections fade away in light of his great love for the poor of this world and his service to humanity. The drug companies didn't make many of these drugs because there was little to no demand for them by those who could afford to pay.
Book Review: Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, A Man Who Would Cure the World
Farmer feels compelled to provide direct one-on-one care to patients, including patients in places among the most remote and destitute in the world. Mountains Beyond Mountains is part origin story for the international health organization Partners In Health PIH , and part biography of its co-founder Dr. I was going to try to cure Africa of TB, but I just haven't had time lately. Farmer's tunnel-vision focus on specific cases and sites at the expense of international perspective seem to rob him of stature required to spearhead the fight against the tuberculosis pandemic, reducing his influence to that of a thorn in the side of the medical community. It's not that I hate Paul Farmer, though I think I'm not going to read I had to seriously think for a long time about why I hated this book. There, Kidder sees Paul Farmer, a highly respected doctor and humanitarian worker, negotiate with the American military on behalf of his Haitian patients. The book—Farmer and Kidder—also preempts any seemingly original emotional and intellectual responses to itself because it works all these different possible responses into its narrative.
