Abraham Verghese

Abraham Verghese is an Ethiopian-born Indian American physician, bestselling author, and professor of medicine whose work bridges the worlds of medicine and literature. Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to Indian parents, he earned his medical degree from Madras Medical College before pursuing a distinguished career in internal medicine in the United States. He is the Linda R. Meier and Joan F. Lane Provostial Professor of Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, where he is internationally recognized for his advocacy of compassionate, patient-centered care and the enduring importance of the physician–patient relationship.

Verghese is the author of the acclaimed memoirs My Own Country and The Tennis Partner, as well as the bestselling novels Cutting for Stone and The Covenant of Water. Cutting for Stone, a sweeping family saga set primarily in Ethiopia, explores themes of medicine, identity, exile, and forgiveness through the lives of twin brothers raised in a mission hospital. The novel became an international bestseller, remained on The New York Times bestseller list for more than two years, and has been widely praised for its vivid storytelling and authentic portrayal of the practice of medicine.

In recognition of his contributions to medicine and the humanities, Verghese has received numerous honours, including the National Humanities Medal, presented by President Barack Obama in 2015. Through his writing, teaching, and clinical practice, he continues to champion empathy, human connection, and the healing power of storytelling, inspiring readers and healthcare professionals around the world.