The Mirror Principle: A Neurosurgeon's Autobiography

My life started at a remote fishing village on a tiny island in the Pacific. My grandfather was an illiterate fisherman who raised seven children. All took advantage of the free primary education in the barrio. My father went further, far beyond the local grade school in the village. He eventually became a professor at the university in the big city across the channel. Burdened by the history of four hundred years of Spanish colonial domination that relegated Filipinos to servitude, the fearsome years of Japanese occupation, the turmoil of World War II, established society's biases, prejudices and taboos are the bridges I had to cross. Like my father, I took advantage of the new way of life American democracy brought. Education was the key. I faced the new world, conscious of my humble beginnings. Coming out of the village, I wondered, will I fit in in the city? Coming out of four hundred years of serfdom that created a mentality of self-doubt, I questioned, am I good enough to be a doctor? Coming out of a third world country, I worried, am I good enough for the big world? As a foreign medical graduate now in the United States, I was anxious, will I be accepted? Through the strength in my upbringing and my faith in the Almighty, all I needed was my grandfather's admonition when I left the island for college. The world out there is like a mirror. You smile at it; it smiles back.

About the Author :
A native of the Philippines, Dr. Amores graduated from the University of Santo Thomas with honors and did his post-graduate studies in the United States. A board certified neurosurgeon, he has been Chairman of the Neuroscience Department, Chief of Staff, trustee and clinical director of Neuroscience/Orthopedic/Trauma Services of a large tertiary hospital with a level I trauma center. Dr. Amores has been President of the County and State Medical Societies. As chairman of the state delegation to American Medical Association for twenty years, he has been the secretary of the International Medical Graduates Council that integrated foreign medical graduates, as a section of the American Medical Association. As a clinical professor of neurosurgery at the West Virginia School of Medicine, Dr. Amores has been a member of the Advisory Council of the West Virginia University College of Medicine and the West Virginia Independent Colleges and Universities. On the community level, Dr. Amores is a founding member of the Board of the Clay Center of Art and Sciences, The Blanchette Rockefeller Neuroscience Center, the West Virginia Heart Association, and the Philippine Medical Association of West Virginia. Dr. Amores has been honored as a Distinguished West Virginian in1992 and, again, in 2013. A United States presidential appointee, Dr. Amores served as member of the president's Advisory Committee on the Arts and Sciences, from 1995 to 2000.

Review :
A little boy on a little island in a large ocean became a world renowned neurosurgeon. His life was guided by his faith in a Supreme Being. His success was attributed to his love of God, his family, and his friends. He truly lived the American Dream. This book was written so that his children and grandchildren could capture the American dream, just as he had. The Meades Ralph and Shelby Dr. Amores has led a remarkable life. His path was defined by coincidence, serendipity luck, and sheer determination. His story is by turns cheerful, harrowing, and inspiring. A brilliant mind, coupled with hard work, has gained him a distinguished career and the abiding respect of his peers. Michael Fidler, MD professional colleague Doc, "life is what you make it". You perfectly personified it in your life's journey . Very impressive accomplishments but nothing can top the fact that you remained very humble and compassionate. Phenomenal. The book is a must read for my grandchildren. Behind every successful man is a woman---Di, you did an exceptional job. We feel very honored being one of your friends. Remedios Mahusay Yutiamco, RN