In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Allen Saxon, a veteran general surgeon and now debut novelist, to discuss his new book Training in Charity. Drawing from decades of surgical experience, Dr. Saxon offers a rare glimpse into the world of medical training — not just the technical rigor, but also the emotional, ethical, and human challenges that define life inside an operating room.
We explore the inspiration behind the novel, how fiction can reveal truths that memoirs sometimes can't, and what it means to practice medicine with both skill and compassion. Dr. Saxon shares stories from his surgical career, reflects on the mentors who shaped him, and talks about the evolution of surgery over time. We also discuss the writing process, his transition from medicine to storytelling, and what readers can learn from the characters and conflicts within the book.
Whether you're fascinated by medicine, drawn to character-driven fiction, or curious about the intersections between science and art, this conversation shines light on the humanity at the core of surgical training.
