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Frontiers: The Journey of Two Surgeons Through Stroke
We can't always predict when the unexpected will happen. Dr. Siva Murugappan understands this more than most. As a general surgeon, he's an expert on prevention and protocols. A stroke definitely wasn't on the agenda; he'd just climbed Mount Kailash in Tibet, 21,778 feet above sea level. But four months later, a stroke is exactly what happened-right in the middle of a medical procedure on a patient. Dr. Murugappan quickly discovered the guidelines and their limitations won't work for him, that he must forge his own path.
A Surgeon's Journey through Stroke is a stroke survivor's memoir through recovery and its expected and unexpected challenges. Told from the perspectives of Dr. Murugappan and his wife Dr. Prema Samy, Frontiers illustrates the ways stroke affects survivors and their loved ones alike.
More than anything, this is a story of perseverance. Dr. Murugappan refuses to accept the narrative imposed him, that he'll never practice medicine as he did pre-stroke. Like climbing Mount Kailash, stroke recovery becomes his new frontier. Regaining his medical licence drives his rehabilitation. This new purpose becomes essential when Dr. Murugappan and Dr. Samy realize there is no precedent in Canada for a doctor reclaiming their licence post-stroke. Now, this frontier must be surmounted not only for himself but for anyone in a similar situation, regardless of profession. And while he undertakes these challenges, his wife and caretaker must overcome her own. How much can anyone endure? How much can their marriage take? Dr. Murugappan and Dr. Samy soon find out.
A Surgeon's Journey through Stroke is a stroke survivor's memoir through recovery and its expected and unexpected challenges. Told from the perspectives of Dr. Murugappan and his wife Dr. Prema Samy, Frontiers illustrates the ways stroke affects survivors and their loved ones alike.
More than anything, this is a story of perseverance. Dr. Murugappan refuses to accept the narrative imposed him, that he'll never practice medicine as he did pre-stroke. Like climbing Mount Kailash, stroke recovery becomes his new frontier. Regaining his medical licence drives his rehabilitation. This new purpose becomes essential when Dr. Murugappan and Dr. Samy realize there is no precedent in Canada for a doctor reclaiming their licence post-stroke. Now, this frontier must be surmounted not only for himself but for anyone in a similar situation, regardless of profession. And while he undertakes these challenges, his wife and caretaker must overcome her own. How much can anyone endure? How much can their marriage take? Dr. Murugappan and Dr. Samy soon find out.
108 pages, Paperback
Published August 29, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 27, 2026
🍀Book- Frontiers
🍀 Author- Dr. Shiva Murugappa M D, FRCS(C)
Dr. Prema Samy M.D FRCS(C)
🍀Between the pages-
“The path to enlightenment means that the ego must go.
Siva was not on this path. His ego, built on who he once was, the surgeon he once was, was dominating and driving him. He was like a spoiled child: refusing to converse with or confront his supervisors. Hiding. Looking for excuses and alternatives.”
🍀Plot- This book is a memoir by a successful surgeon Siva, who suddenly suffers a stroke in his right brain while performing surgery.
After this moment his life changes and completely, he becomes bedridden, loses control over his movements, and faces the challenge of basic tasks like walking, moving, and doing simple routines.
His wife, Prema , becomes his support and struggles after seeing Siva in such condition.
Together, they navigate through rehabilitation centre and the emotional rollercoaster of life after a stroke. Siva pushes himself to regain independence, by practising therapy at home and even creating surgical simulation models at home.
He had uncertainties about his career, challenges with hospital procedures for returning to work and sometimes he thought of leaving his family in Canada and moving to India .
After going through rigorous therapies and test conducted by the doctors , he was allowed to do minor surgeries independently and he tries to maintain the balance between his health, work and family. His ultimate goal was to be an independent surgeon again.
🍀Review-
The book not only talks about personal perseverance and rehabilitation but also about love, family support, and finding purpose after a life-altering event. This real story of Siva is inspiring and shows the real challenges of a person who had a stroke and gives a deep insight about his physical and emotional journey along with the journey of his family as the family is the main support system .
Written in simple language and filled with real life experiences the book is from both Shiva and Prerna’s perspective. In a very relatable way it teaches, perseverance, patience, and gratitude.
This book is a survival kit for the survivors and caregivers on rehabilitation and stroke coping strategies.
Though at few instances it felt that the narrative was too detailed and intense .
Frontiers- is an inspiring story of resilience, love, and reclaiming life after a major stroke. It’s a personal memoir and a guide for anyone facing life-changing challenges, telling the reader what all exactly it takes to recover is time, determination, and family support.
It’s not the journey of Dr. Siva but also Dr. Prema who was always with him like a unmovable rock .
🍀 Author- Dr. Shiva Murugappa M D, FRCS(C)
Dr. Prema Samy M.D FRCS(C)
🍀Between the pages-
“The path to enlightenment means that the ego must go.
Siva was not on this path. His ego, built on who he once was, the surgeon he once was, was dominating and driving him. He was like a spoiled child: refusing to converse with or confront his supervisors. Hiding. Looking for excuses and alternatives.”
🍀Plot- This book is a memoir by a successful surgeon Siva, who suddenly suffers a stroke in his right brain while performing surgery.
After this moment his life changes and completely, he becomes bedridden, loses control over his movements, and faces the challenge of basic tasks like walking, moving, and doing simple routines.
His wife, Prema , becomes his support and struggles after seeing Siva in such condition.
Together, they navigate through rehabilitation centre and the emotional rollercoaster of life after a stroke. Siva pushes himself to regain independence, by practising therapy at home and even creating surgical simulation models at home.
He had uncertainties about his career, challenges with hospital procedures for returning to work and sometimes he thought of leaving his family in Canada and moving to India .
After going through rigorous therapies and test conducted by the doctors , he was allowed to do minor surgeries independently and he tries to maintain the balance between his health, work and family. His ultimate goal was to be an independent surgeon again.
🍀Review-
The book not only talks about personal perseverance and rehabilitation but also about love, family support, and finding purpose after a life-altering event. This real story of Siva is inspiring and shows the real challenges of a person who had a stroke and gives a deep insight about his physical and emotional journey along with the journey of his family as the family is the main support system .
Written in simple language and filled with real life experiences the book is from both Shiva and Prerna’s perspective. In a very relatable way it teaches, perseverance, patience, and gratitude.
This book is a survival kit for the survivors and caregivers on rehabilitation and stroke coping strategies.
Though at few instances it felt that the narrative was too detailed and intense .
Frontiers- is an inspiring story of resilience, love, and reclaiming life after a major stroke. It’s a personal memoir and a guide for anyone facing life-changing challenges, telling the reader what all exactly it takes to recover is time, determination, and family support.
It’s not the journey of Dr. Siva but also Dr. Prema who was always with him like a unmovable rock .
August 30, 2026
“A frontier is an area beyond a boundary. I have lived my life in this space, always overcoming hurdles and pushing forward, always looking to the horizon for what’s coming next.”
- Dr. Siva Murugappan, Dr. Prema Samy (Frontiers: A Surgeon’s Journey through Stroke)
Frontiers: A Surgeon’s Journey through Stroke is an autobiographical account of how Dr. Murugappan’s life changed when he was diagnosed with right brain ischemic stroke. The book also chronicles how the twist of fate turned the tables in their life. The highly efficient clinical practitioners had to endure many hardships to pull through a difficult phase. Dr. Murugappan was discharged on December 1, 2017 after strenuous hospital visits and nine long weeks of hopes and helplessness.
”The safety net provided by twenty-four seven caregivers was removed, and we transitioned into leading a new charge on life at home on our own.”
The POVs of the husband-wife duo, helps the readers to understand their emotions. The individual equations weren’t changed and Dr. Samy stood beside Dr. Murugappan like a rock. Written in a simple, accessible language, the book made me contemplate how the chronic condition can cause a shift in family dynamics. The vulnerability of Dr. Murugappan is explored about how he considered himself as a burden from the time his mother nearly passed away during her delivery. The couple's resilience in the face of adversities and faith in medical science pulled them through difficult times. The realistic portrayal and their honesty will definitely settle down in the hearts of the readers.
Reading this autobiography reminded me of the book - Still Alice written by a neurosurgeon, Lisa Genova. The main protagonist Alice is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and the story slowly develops how her family adapts to the circumstance.
”We cannot change the past; we can only move forward. Each day may bring new challenges, but it may also bring new possibilities.”
- Dr. Siva Murugappan, Dr. Prema Samy (Frontiers: A Surgeon’s Journey through Stroke)
Frontiers: A Surgeon’s Journey through Stroke is an autobiographical account of how Dr. Murugappan’s life changed when he was diagnosed with right brain ischemic stroke. The book also chronicles how the twist of fate turned the tables in their life. The highly efficient clinical practitioners had to endure many hardships to pull through a difficult phase. Dr. Murugappan was discharged on December 1, 2017 after strenuous hospital visits and nine long weeks of hopes and helplessness.
”The safety net provided by twenty-four seven caregivers was removed, and we transitioned into leading a new charge on life at home on our own.”
The POVs of the husband-wife duo, helps the readers to understand their emotions. The individual equations weren’t changed and Dr. Samy stood beside Dr. Murugappan like a rock. Written in a simple, accessible language, the book made me contemplate how the chronic condition can cause a shift in family dynamics. The vulnerability of Dr. Murugappan is explored about how he considered himself as a burden from the time his mother nearly passed away during her delivery. The couple's resilience in the face of adversities and faith in medical science pulled them through difficult times. The realistic portrayal and their honesty will definitely settle down in the hearts of the readers.
Reading this autobiography reminded me of the book - Still Alice written by a neurosurgeon, Lisa Genova. The main protagonist Alice is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and the story slowly develops how her family adapts to the circumstance.
”We cannot change the past; we can only move forward. Each day may bring new challenges, but it may also bring new possibilities.”
November 28, 2023
An exceptional general surgeon with a thriving practice, Dr. Siva Murugappan led a very busy and work-filled life. Then, while performing a procedure on a patient, Siva suffered an ischemic stroke. His world was turned upside down - suddenly his skilled hands would not obey simple commands. He went from performing delicate surgeries to not being able to tie a bow. Told through dual POVs with Siva and his wife, Prema, Frontiers is Siva's journey of recovery and perseverance.
Dr. Murugappan is a doctor in my community, so I was interested to read about his experience with stroke. I really enjoyed the dual POVs; getting to read about how Prema dealt with the aftermath and trying to be supportive while her husband was going through a very difficult time really added depth to the story. I was also super impressed with her homemade surgery simulator! Siva's POV offered a good overview of his life, as well as his journey back to performing surgeries after his stroke. This is a very quick and accessible look at life after stroke, supporting stroke victims, and overcoming obstacles.
Dr. Murugappan is a doctor in my community, so I was interested to read about his experience with stroke. I really enjoyed the dual POVs; getting to read about how Prema dealt with the aftermath and trying to be supportive while her husband was going through a very difficult time really added depth to the story. I was also super impressed with her homemade surgery simulator! Siva's POV offered a good overview of his life, as well as his journey back to performing surgeries after his stroke. This is a very quick and accessible look at life after stroke, supporting stroke victims, and overcoming obstacles.
March 28, 2024
This book provides a compelling exploration of human resilience in the face of adversity, centering on Dr. Murugappan’s experience with an unexpected stroke and his path to recovery. The narrative is particularly striking for its dual perspectives, offering insights from both Dr. Murugappan and Dr. Samy. This approach skillfully illuminates the multifaceted challenges encountered in stroke rehabilitation, career obstacles, and personal struggles. The resilience and dedication demonstrated by both individuals in striving to regain a semblance of normalcy is noteworthy. As a reader, I found the account enlightening, broadening my understanding of the extensive physical, emotional, and psychological toll of a stroke, not to mention its profound impact on relationships and personal identity
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews