Memoirs of a Doctor

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Memoirs of a Doctor is a deeply personal account of a Christian medical doctor’s journey through life. It tells the story of one man’s struggle to balance his faith with the demands of his profession, and the many challenges he faced along the way. From the joys of delivering a new life into the world to the heartbreak of losing a patient, the book is a raw and honest exploration of what it means to be a doctor in today’s world. Through it all, the author’s unwavering faith shines through, providing a beacon of hope for anyone facing difficult times. With its insightful reflections on life, medicine, and spirituality, Memoirs of a Doctor is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on their own journey through life.

Notes to Readers

Thank you for choosing to read my book. I hope that it has provided you with an enjoyable and thought-provoking experience. I would love to hear your feedback on the book and would be incredibly grateful if you could take the time to write a review on the platform where you purchased it or on a book review website. Your review will not only help other potential readers in making their decision but also help me to understand what worked and what didn’t work in the book. Your honest review will help me improve as a writer and create even better stories in the future. Once again, thank you for giving my book a chance, and I sincerely hope that you found it worth your time.

Blurbs

A perfect way to know the author, Dr, Andrew C S Koh, T Townsend, Amazon, Goodreads, Bookbub, 5 stars.

A detailed look at the author’s long, interesting, purposeful, & miraculous life, Lulu, Amazon, 4 stars.

Inspires young aspirants to emulate the author’s footsteps professionally & spiritually, Wong Che Hoa, Goodreads, 5 stars.

Inspiring stories about childhood, education, careers, marriage, family, & friends, Ng Wah Lok, Goodreads, 5 stars.

Memorable, enjoyable, & lovely memoir to touch lives, Dato KRA Naidu, Goodreads, 5 stars.

Beautiful, encouraging, & inspiring novel, Steven Hock, Goodreads, 5 stars.

Truthful, insightful, & engaging novel, Moon Ng, Goodreads, 5 stars

Inspiring novella, humble beginnings, career & providence, J Sharmani, Amazon, 5 stars.

God’s providence through life’s struggles, J R Wu-Wong, Amazon, Bookbub, Goodreads, 5 stars.

Truthful novel on childhood, education, & career, PAR, Amazon, 5 stars. Cultural life in countries I had no opportunity to explore, E O Carroll, Amazon, Good Reads, 5 stars.

Heart-warming novel on the faithfulness of God, Valentina, Goodreads, 5 stars.

Defining times when touched by the grace of God, Carol Chow, Goodreads, 5 stars.

I praise & thank God for all that you have done to share the gospel, JSS, Solomon, Goodreads, 5 stars.

An interesting novel about troubles & tribulations encountered overcome by determination, Chandran, Goodreads, 5 stars.

Glimpses of life in the cities & villages of Malaysia, Bob, Amazon, 4 stars

Took me back to my grandmother’s times when she was growing up, Rowan E Creech, Goodreads, 4 stars.

A concise memoir of the doctor’s path from free thinker to Christianity, & God’s hand of provenance, Jan Paessler Amazon, 4 stars.

An interesting memoir of his childhood, education, family, travels, & faith in God, Texas, Amazon, 4 stars.

I found the author’s life incredibly interesting, & he is a walking miracle! Fluffyluggage, Amazon, Kobo, Goodreads, Bookbub, 4 stars.

Editorial Reviews

Odindo Kennedy, Rating 5/5

Dr. Andrew C.S. Koh could have been a poor man unknown to the rest of the world if it had not been for God. He is thus a witness to what God does for His people, and his message to youths in his book Memoirs of a Doctor is very clear: seek God’s kingdom first, and the rest will be added to you.
And those who seek God’s guidance in everything they do are guaranteed Godly protection, as Dr. Andrew’s survival through abject poverty, the 2008 economic meltdown, and the COVID-19 pandemic attest.
Andrew, born and raised by poor parents, grows into an important member of society and marries the girl he previously taught, with whom he raises three brilliant boys. Along the way, he loses friends—particularly his classmate, whom he later reunited with on social media only to die a year later—works in various government hospitals, and visits places for religious or medical reasons. In addition to his busy schedule as a doctor, Dr. Andrew reads the Bible frequently, attends the local church, tries to convert his non-Christian patients, and even pursues Bible studies.
Memoirs of a Doctor also contains some humorous moments. In particular, when young Andrew goes to school with an onion and sugarcane in his school bag, the onion is for intelligence, and the sugarcane, being sweet, is to make him sweet to his classmates. To help him make friends, in other words. That is, according to his parents. It works to some extent because young Andrew is intelligent and finally makes friends with another boy.

Ethan 5/5

In “Memoirs of a Doctor” by Dr. Andrew C.S. Koh, readers are taken on an extraordinary journey through the life of a Christian medical doctor. Dr. Koh’s deeply personal account unveils the challenges he faced while trying to maintain a harmonious balance between his faith and the demands of his medical profession. The book encapsulates his life from a humble childhood in Tanjong Malim to his retirement in Ipoh in 2020, tracing the remarkable transformation of a man who rose from a financially impoverished background to become a respected heart and internal medicine specialist.
The memoir beautifully reveals how the seeds of the gospel were sown into Dr. Koh’s heart during his primary school days, eventually leading him to embrace Christianity in his medical student years. Throughout his career, he viewed medicine not just as a profession but as a ministry, praying earnestly for his patients and using his platform as a means to share the gospel and encourage fellow Christians. His dedication to studying, preaching, and teaching the Bible demonstrates his unwavering commitment to his faith and his desire to touch lives both medically and spiritually.
Dr. Koh’s three-year sabbatical to study in Laidlaw Bible College further illustrates his passion for deepening his understanding of God’s Word. The book not only highlights his personal growth and spiritual journey but also showcases the numerous lives he positively impacted through his medical expertise and faith-based approach.
“Memoirs of a Doctor” is an inspiring narrative that will resonate with readers from all walks of life. Dr. Koh’s faithfulness, obedience, and surrender to God’s calling serve as an encouragement to others seeking their purpose in life. This memoir will undoubtedly become a cherished legacy for his family, future generations, and all who have had the privilege to know him.
In conclusion, Dr. Andrew C.S. Koh’s memoir is a testament to the power of faith and its transformative impact on one’s life and the lives of others. It is a compelling read that will leave readers inspired and hopeful, particularly those embarking on their own life journeys. As Dr. Koh continues his ministry in various forms, this book stands as a beacon of light, guiding others to embrace their calling and fulfill their roles as chosen instruments in God’s Kingdom.

Kapapiro Victoria, 4/5

“Memoirs of a Doctor” is a captivating and thought-provoking book that offers a deeply personal account of a Christian medical doctor’s extraordinary journey. Dr. Andrew C S Koh takes readers on a poignant exploration of the complexities and conflicts he encountered while striving to maintain a delicate balance between his unwavering faith and the demanding world of medicine.
The memoir provides a remarkable insight into the joys, sorrows, and moral dilemmas faced by a doctor. Dr. Koh’s storytelling prowess shines as he vividly describes the exhilaration of delivering new life into the world, the triumphs of successful treatments, and the indescribable bond formed with patients and their families. These moments of joy are contrasted by the heart-wrenching experiences of loss and the soul-searching questions that arise in the face of human suffering.
What sets this memoir apart is its exploration of the intersection of faith and medicine. Dr. Koh delves into the challenges he encountered when his deeply held beliefs clashed with medical decisions, and the internal struggle to find the right path. His unwavering commitment to his Christian values, alongside his dedication to providing the best medical care, adds an inspiring and thought-provoking layer to the narrative.
The author’s writing style is intimate and evocative, allowing readers to truly connect with the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies the practice of medicine. Dr. Koh’s sincerity and vulnerability shine through every page, creating a profound and authentic reading experience.

Lamanda Johnson, 4/5

“Memoirs of a Doctor” is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of faith in the face of adversity. It offers valuable insights not only into the medical profession but also into the intricate dance between personal beliefs and professional responsibilities. This memoir is a must-read for anyone seeking a compelling, enlightening, and deeply human narrative that resonates long after the final page is turned.

“Memoirs of a Doctor” by Dr. Andrew C S Koh is an extraordinary and deeply moving account of a medical professional’s journey through a life dedicated to healing and caring for others. In this remarkable memoir, Dr. Koh shares his experiences, challenges, and the profound impact of his work in the field of medicine.
The book offers a unique insider’s perspective into the world of healthcare, providing readers with a glimpse into the demanding and emotionally charged environment that doctors face daily. Dr. Koh’s writing is heartfelt and authentic, as he recounts his personal and professional struggles, as well as the moments of triumph and joy that come with his profession.
Throughout “Memoirs of a Doctor,” Dr. Koh’s compassion and dedication to his patients shine through. His anecdotes and patient encounters illustrate the significance of empathy and human connection in the healing process. The book reminds us of the immense responsibility doctors carry, and the weight of their decisions in the lives of their patients.
One of the book’s strengths is Dr. Koh’s ability to delve into the ethical dilemmas he encountered in his career. He candidly discusses the tough choices he had to make and the impact these decisions had on both his patients and himself. This introspective approach invites readers to reflect on the complexities and moral dilemmas inherent in the medical field.
Beyond the medical anecdotes, “Memoirs of a Doctor” delves into the author’s personal growth and the transformative power of his experiences. Dr. Koh’s writing is not only informative but also deeply introspective, making the memoir relatable to a wide range of readers.
Moreover, the memoir touches on universal themes of life, death, and the human spirit. Dr. Koh’s stories of resilience and hope serve as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of finding meaning and purpose in one’s life.
“Memoirs of a Doctor” is a compelling and insightful memoir that offers a glimpse into the world of medicine and the human experience. Dr. Andrew C S Koh’s storytelling is engaging and deeply moving, making this book a compelling read for both medical professionals and general readers alike. It is a poignant reminder of the impact that compassion, empathy, and human connection can have in the face of life’s most challenging moments.

Amir Powell, 4/5

“Memoirs of a Doctor” is a captivating and thought-provoking book written by Dr. Andrew C S Koh. This memoir takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the life and experiences of a dedicated medical professional, providing unique insights into the challenges and triumphs faced in the field of medicine.
Dr. Andrew C S Koh, the author of this remarkable memoir, is an esteemed doctor with extensive experience in the medical field. With his wealth of knowledge and expertise, Dr. Koh offers readers an intimate look into the world of healthcare, sharing personal anecdotes and reflections that shed light on the complexities of being a doctor.
The book delves into various aspects of Dr. Koh’s career, from his early days as a medical student to his years of practice in different medical settings. Through vivid storytelling and heartfelt narratives, he paints a vivid picture of the demanding nature of the profession, as well as the emotional toll it can take on individuals dedicated to saving lives.
One of the most compelling aspects of “Memoirs of a Doctor” is its exploration of the relationships between doctors and their patients. Dr. Koh skillfully portrays the delicate balance between empathy and professionalism that doctors must maintain while caring for their patients. He shares touching stories that highlight the profound impact doctors can have on their patients’ lives, as well as the challenges they face when dealing with difficult cases or ethical dilemmas.
The characters in this memoir are diverse and multi-dimensional, each contributing to the overall narrative in their own unique way. From fellow doctors and nurses to patients and their families, Dr. Koh introduces us to a wide range of individuals who have left a lasting impression on his life and career. Through these characters, he explores themes such as compassion, resilience, and the power of human connection.
Furthermore, “Memoirs of a Doctor” also delves into the broader healthcare system, shedding light on the bureaucratic challenges and systemic issues that doctors often encounter. Dr. Koh’s insightful commentary on these matters adds depth to the narrative, prompting readers to reflect on the larger societal implications of healthcare policies and practices.
Overall, “Memoirs of a Doctor” is a captivating memoir that offers a rare glimpse into the world of medicine through the eyes of an experienced practitioner. Dr. Andrew C S Koh’s storytelling prowess and his ability to convey complex emotions make this book a compelling read for both medical professionals and general readers alike.

Sunny Rocks, 5/5

“Memoirs of a Doctor” offers a captivating and deeply personal account of Dr. Andrew C. S. Koh’s remarkable faith journey through life. From his humble beginnings in the small town of Tanjong Malim, Malaysia, to his retirement in Ipoh in 2020, the book beautifully chronicles the profound impact of faith on his profession as a medical doctor. Despite coming from a non-Christian family, the seeds of the gospel were sown into his heart early on, and he embraced Christianity during his medical student days, later rededicating his life to Jesus Christ.
Throughout the memoir, Dr. Koh’s dedication to his patients shines brightly. His medical practice becomes not just a career but a ministry, as he fervently prays for each patient before any medical procedure. The book portrays him as a marketplace soul winner, using his profession to share the gospel with non-Christians and support fellow believers. His commitment to studying, preaching, and teaching the Bible is commendable, and his sabbatical in Laidlaw Bible College underscores his passion for spiritual growth and service.
“Memoirs of a Doctor” is more than just a biography; it is a testament to how God works in the life of a faithful and surrendered individual. Dr. Koh’s story serves as an inspiring example of how God can use ordinary people as instruments in His Kingdom. The book’s message will undoubtedly resonate with readers at various stages of life, offering hope, encouragement, and guidance to those just starting their own journeys.
As the narrative unfolds, the readers will undoubtedly develop a sense of connection with Dr. Koh, his family, and his faith-filled endeavors. The memoir will not only be cherished by his loved ones, including his wife, sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and future generations, but it will also leave a lasting impact on countless readers. Dr. Koh’s golden years promise to be a continuation of his meaningful ministry as an author, preacher, bible teacher, blogger, soul winner, and traveler. “Memoirs of a Doctor” is a truly uplifting and memorable read that will resonate with both believers and those seeking spiritual inspiration alike.

Michelle Nguyen, 4/5

“Memoirs of a Doctor” by Dr. Andrew C S Koh reflects on the emotions discovered throughout one’s journey in the inevitable human condition. Throughout the chapters of the book I found myself to develop a variety of emotions including happiness, sadness, grief, anger, contemplation and more! Although I felt the book could’ve worked more towards being expressive when expanding how the author felt within his experiences e.g. “Even though my parents were poor, they provided for all their children’s needs. I don’t ever remember us starving or lacking food at any time.” Yes, anyone can easily agree that a sense of appreciation is exhibited through this quote but what else is there? Were there other thoughts/feelings that the author had during his early life and family’s situation with money and poverty. However, also I have criticised this aspect of the book, I have also found that the author’s conciseness and limited expressions of emotions in his memoirs to bring a deeper effect. To my surprise, these aspects of the book allowed me to feel an even greater connection to the book as I was able to place myself in the author’s position and contemplate over the sorts of feelings one might feel such as experiencing the loss of a loved/close one, being disconnected from a friend due to moving circumstances, or even being in the army. Additionally, I noticed that within the author’s book, a lot of his memoirs felt like indirect moral teachings. For instance, (approximately page 28) the author talked about memories he had with a friend he met at school, although they started off at a rough start overall they progressed to develop a platonic, emotional connection with one another. However, one day the author’s friend notified him that he will be moving to another country, leaving feelings of melancholy and numbness having to face a close friend leave. But what I found most intriguing through that story is where the author emphasised on the fact, because he does not where his friend moved to, chances of them meeting again are extremely low. From there, I recognised a lesson on why you shouldn’t take time for granted, and the time you have with a person, you should use it as much as you can, as if there is no tomorrow. Quality time is something that every individual should invest in, especially with the ones you love and care about (family, friends, pets). Hence, with my overall thoughts about the book, I absolutely loved it. I could feel the author’s developing relationship with God throughout the years of his life, and the profound gratitude he has for the things he receives in his life. I recommend that anyone who feels they’ve lost the spark in their meaning/journey in life should read this book! Or just anyone in general who enjoys reading stories about a person’s experiences.

Casey Joyce, 4/5

‘Memoirs of a Doctor’ by Andrew CS Koh is a heart-warming and genuine account of the author’s personal and spiritual journey through life, with key themes of Christian faith, perseverance and communication rooted in the very essence of the book, adding practical and spiritual value that readers can take away from and apply to their own lives. Koh guides the reader through every aspect of his life, from his tough childhood in Tanjong Malim and his primary and secondary education in various Methodist English schools near Ipoh to his time as a doctor, his travel to the United Kingdom and New Zealand, and ultimately his retirement in January 2020.
The account is very personal, and although Koh’s narrative voice does lack personality, it still conveys the emotion and character behind every person he met and every interaction he has had effectively to the reader. You can tell he is writing from the heart, as the tone is very conversational and the fact that Koh doesn’t shy away from the hardships and mistakes he has made in his lifetime adds to the authenticity of the book and allows you to form a deep understanding of/connection to him as a reader, as you are able to get the full picture of Koh’s emotions, experiences and thoughts whilst reading. Some passages, such as the story of Koh’s mongrel, Bobby, display Koh’s emotion particularly well and teaches readers a valuable lesson at the same time, which is impressive. The poems, personal photographs and testimonials all add to this sense of authenticity and makes this memoir unique from any others I have read, making it feel like I am reading a journal rather than a book.
The narrative is structured well on the most part, with relevant subheadings to support the narrative and with each chapter focused on a different period of his lifetime to form a timeline readers can follow as they read. However, the narrative itself can jump from one topic to another erratically, leading to things being repeated multiple times. The tense of the story is mostly consistent, with only minor errors such as at the end of Chapter One, where the tense changes from present to past. Other minor proofreading errors, such as the repetition of “hyperthyroidism” on page 52, line 3, can be spotted throughout the book, but they are not significant enough to hinder the reading experience.
I would say that the target audience for this book is certainly people within the younger generations, between late teenage years to mid-twenties, as there are lot of valuable life lessons and experiences shared by Koh that could benefit and influence young people in a positive manner, as Koh has the ability to transform challenges in his life into valuable life lessons and actionable advice.
Koh’s goal with this memoir was to inspire, as stated in the introduction, and I would say he has certainly achieved that – his humility and faithfulness to the Christian religion especially sticks out to me as something to be admired. Overall, this memoir is well-written, heartfelt, genuine, and an enjoyable reading experience.

Carol Cummings, 5/5

“Memoirs of a Doctor” is eloquently penned by the author, Dr. Andrew C. S. Koh. The book serves as an autobiography of Dr. Koh’s entire God-guided, earthly journey. It spans from his birth in Tanjong Malim, Malaysia, in 1952, to his retirement from the medical field in 2020. It highlights key moments of his life, such as his birth, his meager yet humble childhood, his familial relationships, his early school years, his interaction with childhood peers, the loss of loved ones due to mental health or physical illnesses, his academic achievements, his university life, his relationship with God, his development within the wider spiritual community, glimpses of his marriage and family life, his career advancements entwined with spiritual development, and finally, one of his most challenging spiritual tests of all—recovering from a spinal injury. Dr. Koh’s life experiences serve as an impactful spiritual testimony, especially to unbelievers and babes in Christ, that God’s glory is always operating in the background and forefront of our lives, regardless of our awareness of Him. The book also highlights this foremost essential truth: only after we develop a personal, active, and consistent relationship with God can we holistically be directed to achieve our full spiritual potential. This book will encourage and guide readers to achieve their personal goals while developing and maintaining their faith, especially in the face of persistent adversities. In fact, throughout the book, the author’s faith in God serves as both an anchor and a support that keeps him going despite the various life challenges that he faces. Thus, through his faith, the author is able to live an industrious and purposeful life. In terms of the book’s creative style, the author includes quotes from Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, biblical scriptures, pictures, and self-composed poetry. These elements serve to add symbolic insight and context to each new chapter. All in all, I rate this book 5 out of 5. I truly enjoyed reading it. It is deep, captivating, memorizing, and thought-provoking. The author’s writing style (and use of jargon) isn’t too complex to follow. His writing style is relatively easy to digest. The book is uncomplicated and gets straight to the point. I would recommend it to teens, young adults, mature adults, and even parents who are seeking guidance in their own spiritual journey. Regardless of where you are on your own spiritual path, you will find something relatable and inspirational in this book. Even Bible-study groups will benefit from the various life lessons depicted in this book. So, add it to your “must read” collection today and give it a thorough read-through. You’ll be glad you did.

Kevin Plunkett, 4/5

‘Memoirs of a Doctor’ is an appealing book that traces the life of the author Andrew C.S. Koh from his birth in Malaysia in 1952 to his retirement from the medical profession in 2020. The writer is a Christian and this fact permeates the story in several ways. Koh sketches his childhood, born in a shophouse to a poor family in Tanjong Malim in the Mualim district of Perak, in fine detail. Born on a night where there were many stars his grandfather named him Chan Sing which means praise the stars in Cantonese. He remembers with fondness visiting his cousins in the town of Bidor: “We had such good times playing games that children played back in those days like marbles, catapult, spiders, fighting fish, tops, kites, and so on.” He relates that despite being a “free thinker,” hearing the gospel account of the prodigal son at a chapel service during lunch break at school told in a “masterly manner” by his class teacher “had a deep impact on me and got me thinking about God.” A talented student, Koh was awarded an all-expenses paid scholarship to college and went on to study medicine in Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur. He remembers a devoted instructor emphasizing that “Behind every case is a person, a human being with a name, and a soul. They were not called to be case numbers but to be addressed with dignity as individuals.” He became a Christian in 1976 through the assistance of a group of Christian medical students. The book spans Koh’s professional career from the long work days as an intern, as a medical officer for the Ministry of Health where he saw nearly one hundred patients in a day, as a doctor in a mobile health clinic teams serving a rural area where some patients gave fish, crabs, prawns and vegetables as gifts and as an army medical officer.
Eventually he specialized in internal medicine and cardiology. The book footnotes many passages with an account of the bible study and church service attendance of himself and his wife throughout his varied career. He recounts how during a Christmas dinner in 1985 a pastor asked those in attendance if they would like to rededicate their life to Christ to come to the altar and Koh did so himself. “Since then, my spiritual life was revived, and I began to have a thirst for more of God’s presence in my life. I started to read and study the bible on my own with great earnestness and intensity.” In 1998 he sold his practice and moved with his wife and three sons to Auckland, New Zealand and lived there for five years before returning to practice medicine in Malaysia. The story of Koh’s memorable life follows his fall while leaving a restaurant in 2019 resulting in neck injury and spinal shock and requiring a very delicate operation. He recovered fully and after six weeks of physiotherapy was discharged and became fully ambulant in another two months; a miracle that Koh thanks God for sincerely. “Memoirs of a Doctor” is a memorable account of a grateful man with an accomplished life who tells his story with refreshing honesty and conviction.

Reader’s Reviews