Great Joys, Great Sorrows

Longtime Marco Island resident, Michael M. Meguid, M.D., proudly announces the release of Great Joys, Great Sorrows—An Immigrant’s Journey Through Surgical Residency, the much-anticipated fourth volume in his extraordinary autobiographical series, A Surgeon’s Tale. 

Dr. Meguid’s compelling memoir takes readers deep into the demanding, exhilarating, and sometimes devastating world of Harvard’s surgical residency programs in the 1970s. This era was marked by relentless discipline, 110-hour workweeks, and the constant balancing act between life-saving precision and the ever-present risk of patient loss. It provides an immersive look at a young surgeon learning not only the art and science of his craft, but also how resilience and humanity are needed to survive it. 

Dr. Meguid shares his journey through residency as he carefully illustrates the challenges, doubts, and successes of becoming a surgeon. Here, we learn about the relentless demands, emotional tolls, and personal family aspects involved. 

A world-renowned surgeon, research scientist, writer, lecturer, and editor, Dr. Meguid’s ongoing story is told with brutal honesty and self-revelation. It is a compelling tale told by a once lonely boy unsure of where he belonged,who, with unwavering perseverance, dedication, and ambition, becamea dedicated and respected surgeon. In this volume of “A Surgeon’s Tale” series, we see him as he transforms into a brilliant surgeon and scientific researcher whose sole focus is to help patients live long, healthy lives. 

Great Joys, Great Sorrows brings Dr. Meguid’s life story full circle. The series begins with “Roots and Branches” after an appendectomy in his early childhood in Cairo. It continues as he searches for his social and professional identity in “Mastering the Knife,” and, in “Surgeon and Lover,” the narrative continues as this ambitious, talented young doctor seeks his rightful place in the medical field.  

The first three volumes of this saga received widespread praise from Amazon book buyers, with all three remaining top sellers. Additionally, his first volume, “Roots & Branches,” earned an Honorable Mention at the 2021 New York Book Festival and Hollywood Book Festival in the Biography category.   

“Now that I’m retired,” said Meguid, “I’ve developed a passion for telling my storyfor my children and grandchildren to read, and for anyone who has ever felt that they were considered ‘less than’ because of where they were from or how they grew up.” 

For more information, visit www.michaelmeguid.com or purchase the books in Audible or Kindle editions on Amazon. 

Dr. Meguid lives on Marco Island, FL, with his companion and his various dogs.