April 3 Book Signing Features Volunteer’s "Moments with the Pen"

Throughout his career, Dr. Ezzat Abouleish, professor emeritus of anesthesiology at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, has been a student, teacher, researcher, administrator, clinician and father. With the release of "Moments with the Pen" – a collection of personal writings on work, meditation, family, culture, humor and romance – he is now an author as well.

Dr. Abouleish will sign copies of his book from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 3, in the atrium of the Hermann Pavilion at Memorial Hermann Hospital. His book is available for $13 in the Memorial Hermann Hospital gift shop. Dr. Abouleish will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each book to benefit the Memorial Hermann Hospital Volunteers Organization. The book signing is the first in a series of "Healing the Human Spirit" programs sponsored by the organization.

A new member of the hospital’s volunteer organization board, Dr. Abouleish serves on the board’s bylaws and finance committees.

"He has brought such a unique and beneficial perspective to our board," said Marsha Weiss, director of volunteer services. "We feel fortunate to receive his input and his talents."

Dr. Abouleish wrote "Moments with the Pen" as individual articles prompted by important events in his life. He then organized his essays into chapters addressing different aspects of life, ending each chapter with sayings of his own as well as quotes from others.

"Reading his book, I was touched by how he is able to find the positive amidst the most challenging circumstances," said Dr. Beth Hartwell, medical director of laboratory services at Memorial Hermann Hospital and Memorial Hermann Children’s Hospital.

Dr. Hartwell, also a volunteer organization board member, has known Dr. Abouleish professionally for about 20 years, ever since attending medical school with one of his sons.

"He has always struck me as a physician who appears calm and compassionate with a good sense of humor, no matter what’s going on around him. He’s the kind of person who gives me hope for my day," she said.

Dr. Hartwell recently purchased copies of "Moments with the Pen" as gifts for her department managers.

"I wanted to offer them his stories as a touch point to sharing their own stories," she said. "I feel when we share the little thoughts and big struggles each of us experience, we realize there’s so much that connects us."

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