Reading "A Surgeon's Life" by Oliver Sacks

Aim: How do we define Tourette syndrome--medically and socially? 

Oliver Sacks, M.D.

Do Now: Would you be willing to be operated on by a surgeon with uncontrollable tics? Why or why not? Discuss with a partner or the class.

Today we will be reading about a surgeon and his fascinating victory over Tourette syndrome. First, watch this "South Park" cartoon about Tourette syndrome.

Now watch this video.

Neurologist Oliver Sacks has established his literary career by writing about how people have creatively overcome strange and seemingly debilitating neurological disorders by “re-wiring” their damaged brains. In this quest, you will begin reading Dr. Sacks’ profile of a distinguished surgeon who did not let Tourette’s syndrome extinguish his dream to become a doctor.

Step 1: Oliver Sacks utilizes a challenging vocabulary for the non-medical professional, but it doesn’t have to get in the way if you read “holistically” using context clues. (Remember what Dr. Charney said about training your brain!) Use your account at vocabulary.com to help when you stumble over especially difficult or technical words.

Step 2: Read the first half of "A Surgeon's Life" . These are the critical questions to consider as you read:

How do you define Tourette syndrome? How might Tourette syndrome disable an individual? How might Tourette syndrome affect an individual’s identity? How does it affect Dr. Bennett in his personal life? How does it affect Dr. Bennett in his professional life? Why doesn’t Dr. Bennett consider Tourette a disability? How can you explain Dr. Bennett’s feeling that Tourette “has come to be part of himself”? What does all of this have to do with neuroplasticity?

Step 3: After you have read the first half of the article, complete this 3-2-1 worksheet and post it on your blog.

Final Reflection: Ok, brainiacs: What’s the point of creating a brain science vocabulary list in light of what you have learned so far about the brain?