Two Surgeons.
One Journey.
Beyond the White Coat
For decades, our lives followed the rhythm of precision, strict protocols, and the sterile world of the operating room. As surgeons, we were trained to repair, to heal, and to lead.
But life has a way of humbling even those who think they are prepared. When a stroke entered our family, everything changed in a single moment. We were no longer the ones holding the scalpel. We became the ones holding on to hope.
This shift from being the caregiver to becoming the one who needed care opened our eyes to the deep gaps that still exist in our healthcare system. It reminded us that medicine can mend the body, but empathy is what truly touches the soul.
Dr. Siva Murugappan
Surgeon, Stroke survivor, Co-authorDr. Siva Murugappan is a general surgeon and the husband of Dr. Prema Samy, an ear, nose and throat surgeon. He is a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and the Ontario Medical Association. His journey from the operating room to the rehabilitation center gave him a profound new understanding of the patient experience.
A surgeon and stroke survivor whose journey highlights both resilience and the deeply human side of healing.
Dr. Prema Samy
Co-authorDr. Prema Samy is an Otolaryngologist and Head and Neck Surgeon dedicated to treating conditions of the ear, nose and throat. Her life took a deeply personal turn when her husband, Dr. Siva Murugappan, suffered a stroke six years ago. In that moment, she stepped into a new role, not only as a surgeon but as a caregiver learning to navigate uncertainty and emotional weight.
Dr. Samy believes in blending medical knowledge with human experience. Through her work as a surgeon and as a co-author, she hopes to inspire others to recognize their own strength and to find meaning in the moments that reshape their lives.
A Dual Perspective
The Stroke Survivor
He has lived through the sudden rupture of life as he knew it. His journey reflects the hope, uncertainty, and quiet courage of rebuilding independence piece by piece. His perspective brings the raw honesty of someone who has fought his way back into the world.
The Caregiver
She has stood beside him through every setback and every small breakthrough. Her experience carries the emotional weight of responsibility, the exhaustion, and the unwavering strength required to support recovery. Her perspective reveals the unseen resilience of those who care.
Our Journey
Building Careers
Established successful practices in surgery, dedicated to patient care and medical excellence.
Life Changes in an Instant
A stroke diagnosis challenges everything we knew. The journey from doctor to patient begins.
The Road Back
Years of rehabilitation, relearning, and discovering a new definition of "normal."
The Wellbeing Story
Launching a platform to share insights, support others, and bridge the gap between treatment and healing.
"We are not just defined by our titles or our traumas, but by how we choose to rebuild and reconnect with the world around us."
Dr. Prema Samy