Oliver Sacks

British neurologist and author

Dr. Oliver Sacks, Physician, Author

Oliver Wolf Sacks (9 July 1933 – 30 August 2015) was a British neurologist, naturalist, historian of science, and author. He was widely known for his books that explored the human brain and its many mysteries, often through the lens of his patients' experiences. Sacks' work has been influential in both the medical and literary fields, bringing a humanistic approach to the study of neurology.

Early Life and Education

Oliver Sacks was born in London, England, to a family of physicians. His mother was one of the first female surgeons in England, and his father was a general practitioner. Sacks showed an early interest in science and medicine, influenced by his parents' professions. He attended The Queen's College, Oxford, where he earned his medical degree in 1960.

Career

Medical Practice

After completing his medical education, Sacks moved to the United States in 1965, where he began his residency in neurology at Mount Zion Hospital in San Francisco. He later moved to New York City, where he spent the majority of his career. Sacks worked at various hospitals, including the Beth Abraham Hospital in the Bronx, where he encountered many of the patients who would later feature in his writings.

Writing

Sacks began writing about his clinical experiences in the 1970s. His first book, Migraine (1970), explored the neurological and psychological aspects of migraine headaches. However, it was his 1973 book, Awakenings, that brought him widespread recognition. The book detailed his work with patients who had survived the encephalitis lethargica epidemic of the 1920s and were left in a catatonic state. Sacks' use of the drug L-dopa temporarily "awakened" these patients, a story that was later adapted into a film starring Robin Williams and Robert De Niro.

Oliver Sacks

Sacks continued to write about his patients and their unique neurological conditions in books such as The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat (1985), An Anthropologist on Mars (1995), and Musicophilia (2007). His writing style combined clinical detail with empathy and narrative flair, making complex neurological conditions accessible to a broad audience.

Contributions to Neurology

Sacks' work emphasized the individuality of his patients and the importance of understanding their personal experiences. He was a proponent of neurodiversity, advocating for the acceptance and understanding of neurological differences. His case studies often highlighted the resilience and adaptability of the human brain, challenging traditional views of neurological disorders.

Personal Life

Sacks was known for his curiosity and wide-ranging interests, which included botany, chemistry, and music. He was a lifelong bachelor and came out as gay later in life, discussing his sexuality in his 2015 autobiography, On the Move: A Life. Sacks was diagnosed with terminal cancer in January 2015 and passed away on 30 August 2015.

Oliver Sacks in 2009

Legacy

Oliver Sacks left a lasting impact on both the medical and literary worlds. His books have been translated into numerous languages and continue to inspire readers and medical professionals alike. Sacks' approach to neurology, which combined scientific rigor with a deep empathy for his patients, has influenced a generation of neurologists and writers.

Related Pages

• Neurology
• Neurodiversity
• Encephalitis lethargica
• L-dopa

Oliver Sacks at TED 2009