The Cry of the Devil Bird: Incidents in the Life of a Surgeon Working in Ceylon, from 1965 to 2005 by Dr. Philip G. Veerasingam is a deeply personal and insightful memoir that reflects on the life of a dedicated surgeon in Sri Lanka. With vivid storytelling and attention to detail, Dr. Veerasingam takes the reader on a journey through his 40-year medical career, detailing the challenges and triumphs of working in a healthcare system that was, and still is, heavily impacted by the country's unique socio-political landscape.
The title of the book refers to the "devil bird," an eerie creature from Sri Lankan folklore, known for its chilling and human-like cry at night, often seen as a harbinger of death. This metaphor is central to the memoir, as it encapsulates the trials, tribulations, and moments of life and death that Dr. Veerasingam encountered during his career as a surgeon. The book is a blend of medical memoir, personal reflections, and historical narrative, offering a glimpse into the world of Sri Lankan healthcare, particularly in the rural areas, during times of both peace and conflict.
A Journey Through Sri Lankan Medicine:
Dr. Veerasingam's memoir spans from his early days as a medical student in the 1960s to his retirement in 2000, providing an intimate view of the medical landscape in Sri Lanka through some of the country's most turbulent years. He shares stories of the hardship, improvisation, and sheer resilience required to practice medicine in challenging conditions, especially in rural and underserved communities.
Throughout the book, the author describes the difficulties he faced, such as limited resources, the constant pressure of dealing with complex medical cases, and the emotional toll of working in high-stakes environments. Despite these challenges, Dr. Veerasingam also reflects on the profound moments of success and fulfillment that came from saving lives, offering comfort to patients, and contributing to the broader field of medicine in Sri Lanka.
The memoir also delves into the sociopolitical factors that shaped the healthcare system, especially the impact of Sri Lanka's civil conflict and its toll on healthcare infrastructure. Dr. Veerasingam provides rare insights into how the political landscape affected both medical professionals and their patients, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of medicine and politics in Sri Lanka.
Themes and Reflections:
Compassion and Humanity in Medicine: One of the central themes of The Cry of the Devil Bird is the importance of compassion and empathy in medicine. Dr. Veerasingam emphasizes that medicine is not just about diagnosing and treating diseases but also about offering emotional support, understanding, and care to patients in their most vulnerable moments. He recalls countless instances where the human side of medicine was just as critical as the clinical knowledge required to save lives.
The Role of Mentorship and Learning: Dr. Veerasingam’s journey also highlights the value of mentorship in shaping a successful medical career. He shares stories of the doctors who mentored him during his early years and the lessons he learned from them. In turn, he passed on this knowledge and experience to generations of medical students and younger doctors, becoming a mentor himself.
Medical Challenges in Rural Sri Lanka: The book sheds light on the difficulties faced by doctors working in rural Sri Lanka, where access to modern medical technology and facilities is often limited. Dr. Veerasingam describes how he had to adapt and innovate in the face of these challenges, learning to perform complex surgeries with minimal resources and making do with what was available.
The Emotional Weight of Medicine: Throughout his career, Dr. Veerasingam encountered not only medical challenges but also the emotional burdens that come with being a healthcare provider. He reflects on the personal toll of dealing with life and death, the loss of patients, and the emotional connection between doctor and patient. These aspects of his career are deeply explored, showing the complexities of being a surgeon beyond just performing operations.
Impact on Sri Lankan Society:
Beyond the personal narrative, The Cry of the Devil Bird is a valuable historical document that reflects the state of healthcare in Sri Lanka from 1965 to 2005. Dr. Veerasingam's experiences provide readers with an understanding of how Sri Lanka’s healthcare system evolved over this period, especially in the context of political and social upheaval. The book serves as a tribute to the resilience of the medical community in Sri Lanka and the role it played in keeping the country’s healthcare system functioning, even in the most challenging of circumstances.
Reception:
The Cry of the Devil Bird has been widely praised for its candid and honest portrayal of the realities of practicing medicine in Sri Lanka. Readers appreciate the book for its depth of insight, personal anecdotes, and reflection on the broader socio-political context of healthcare in Sri Lanka. It offers a unique perspective on the life of a surgeon, providing valuable lessons for both aspiring medical professionals and anyone interested in the history and evolution of healthcare in Sri Lanka.
Availability:
The Cry of the Devil Bird is available for purchase from various outlets, including local bookstores and online platforms.
Physical Store Location:
Book Details:
This memoir is not just for those interested in medicine but for anyone looking to understand the human side of healthcare, the challenges faced by professionals in a developing country, and the resilience required to continue making a difference in the face of adversity.
