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Becoming Dr. Q: My Journey From Migrant Farm Worker To Brain Surgeon
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Today he is known as Dr. Q, an internationally renowned neurosurgeon and neuroscientist who leads cutting-edge research to cure brain cancer. But not too long ago, he was Freddy, a nineteen-year-old undocumented migrant worker toiling in the tomato fields of central California. In this gripping memoir, Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa tells his amazing life story—from his impoverished childhood in the tiny village of Palaco, Mexico, to his harrowing border crossing and his transformation from illegal immigrant to American citizen and gifted student at the University of California at Berkeley and at Harvard Medical School. Packed with adventure and adversity—including a few terrifying brushes with death—Becoming Dr. Q is a testament to persistence, hard work, the power of hope and imagination, and the pursuit of excellence. It’s also a story about the importance of family, of mentors, and of giving people a chance.

Hardcover: 328 pages

Publisher: University of California Press (October 1, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0520271181

ISBN-13: 978-0520271180

Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 1.2 x 9.1 inches

Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (88 customer reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #366,107 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #73 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Ethnic & National > Hispanic & Latino #226 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Social Sciences > Specific Demographics > Hispanic American Studies #490 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Social Sciences > Emigration & Immigration

How wonderful it was to read such an awe inspiring life story written by such an amazing person. Dr. Q reminds me of the meek lamb who turned into the ferocious lion, while at the same time being as cuddly as a kitten because of the way he treats everyone around him. I have come to know him in a way that I never knew was possible. And that was just from reading the first 2 chapters! I now understand why he treats all of his patients in the manner that he does and why he has such empathy for everyone.I came to know Dr. Alfredo-Quinones-Hinojosa a/k/a/ Dr. Q on February 3, 2009 after finding out that I had a brain tumor late December of 2008. When Dr. Q walked into the room there was a bright light emanating from him that assured both me and my husband that we had found the right Doctor for us to have managed my care. He not only reassured me that he would do his best to help me, but he also assured my husband that he would help us both by doing the best he could.Just like his fierce determination to come to the United States to find a better life for not only himself, but for his whole family, Dr. Q has made his life's goal to find a cure for the abominable disease known as Brain Cancer just as vehement.It has been both an honor and a pleasure to be associated with a doctor whose fervent goal is not only the eradication of brain cancer, but the high demand he makes of himself not only to be a good doctor, but a magnificent person in general. Dr. Q takes this journey of his life above and beyond the likes of anyone else you will ever know. Read his story to find out why we patients love him so much! I am now, more than ever more adamant about my ability to do what I can to help him in his cause.

I am biased I suppose. I have the mis-fortune and great good fortune to know Dr.Q as a family member of a patient. The story of his rise to the pinnacle of neuro-surgery and research into brain cancer is astounding. If you know Q every word rings true once you meet him. It is there is plain sight. He lives his values. Dr. Q will tell you that he is a product of many events and people including his family both as a child and as a husband, his mentors, his co-workers and team, and at the center of everything his patients. Always his patients. This is a man of rare determination, brilliance and compassion.For an illegal immigrant who gained his citizenship through an amnesty program of President Reagan's to achieve what he achieved by age 40 defies belief.This can be read from many different points of view. One is the importance of an opportunity and what this country can gain when people have an opportunity. Today Dr.Q provides invaluable research into the causes of brain cancer;saves lives with his surgical skill; provides meaningful employment for dozens of people and generates millions of dollars in revenue for his work. He is a remarkable man. You should take the opportunity to meet him.

You see...if Alfredo had not "Jumped Twice' there would be no Dr. Q. as we know of.I just finished reading this much anticipated autobiography. On the surface 'BECOMING DR. Q.' is a Very Interesting Book about how an energetic, strong-willed young fellow from Mexico became the admired, energetic, and respected Dr. Q. at Johns Hopkins. The truth is... he followed his calling.Alfredo did what all of us should do...listen. Not the divide between two great countries could stop him. He listened to God's calling and he acted upon his words!!! I know this for a fact...and I'll briefly explain. My wife and I first met Dr. Q. in 2008 when the door opened to our examination room at Johns Hopkins. We were both scared to death as I needed a brain tumor removed ASAP. I had a terrible headache, my vision was blurred, and we had just driven 250 miles for the appointment. Oh, and Quinones...how did the nurse pronounce his name??? I felt embarrassed too. I forgot his name right before the door opened.He shook our hands. "Mr. Kressley, and you must be the beautiful Mrs. Kressley" he said." I am Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa but you can call me Dr. Q." At that moment words can not even explain the peace he brought to us. At that moment I knew he was the surgeon for me. God told me.We all hugged each other after our meeting and do so to this day. I always wondered how he became a doctor in the United States. Now I know.I read the book slowly because I didn't want it to end. I recommend it to everyone. It is such a Wonderful Feel-Good Story!

Without a shed of doubt, this book is one of the most inspirational stories I have read. The book offers a glimpse into the real character and backbone of Dr. Q. It captures the moments and circumstances that have defined and molded him into an ambitious, selfless, intelligent, hard working, determined, and humble individual. The most astonishing part of his story is that it is all non-fictional. I witness it everyday! As a student, I am blessed to be a part of his team - whose mission is guided by the hopes and dreams of our patients to understand and fight brain cancer. His story will certainly serve both the young and the old with the simple wisdom that it is possible, it is attainable, and that it is only a dream waiting to be metamorphosed to reality with dedication, enthusiasm, motivation, persistence, and courage.

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