Overview

""Memphis to Madagascar: My Life in Focus"" is the powerful, deeply personal memoir of Dr. Bill Hurd-renowned ophthalmologist, award-winning jazz saxophonist, and former All-American sprinter-whose extraordinary life bridges science, art, athletics, and service. Born and raised in segregated Memphis during the height of the civil rights era, Hurd's journey begins with the struggles and triumphs of a young Black boy determined to defy expectations. From breaking records on the track at the University of Notre Dame to navigating the academic rigor of MIT and earning his medical degree at Meharry Medical College, his path is marked by perseverance, purpose, and unshakable faith. But Dr. Hurd's story doesn't end with personal success-it expands across continents. With surgical precision and boundless compassion, he brings sight to the blind in underserved communities from Africa to Asia, transforming lives and finding deeper meaning in every mission trip. His dual devotion to healing and harmony-whether in the operating room or on the saxophone-offers a unique portrait of a man led by passion, guided by service, and grounded in the belief that one life can illuminate many. With reflections on family, resilience, legacy, and the power of using one's gifts to serve others, Memphis to Madagascar invites readers into a life lived in full focus-a journey of vision, purpose, and impact that will inspire generations to come.

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Reviews

""As U.S. Ambassador to Madagascar, I welcomed Dr. Bill Hurd and his medical team with gratitude. In one of the world's poorest countries, their care, dedication, and hard work were a true blessing. Wherever they went, lives improved. This is one of the most meaningful ways Americans can extend friendship and understanding-through health missions like Dr. Hurd's."" - Shirley E. Barnes, U.S. Ambassador (Ret.) ""From Memphis to Madagascar is a fantastic read. I've known Bill Hurd since his pioneering days as one of Memphis's first Black ophthalmology residents, and his journey is truly remarkable. From track to medicine to music, his achievements are incredible. Congrats to my friend and superstar on this inspiring book!"" - Dr. Steve Charles, Founder & CEO, Charles Retina Institute ""If you are going to pick a Notre Dame all-around student-athlete or a renaissance man, Bill Hurd has to be at the top of your list. My friend and teammate, he brought world-class speed and brilliance to everything he did."" - Terry Hanratty, Notre Dame All-American & NFL Quarterback, Pittsburgh Steelers ""One of the greatest sprinters of his era, a true brother in sport and in life. Wishing you much success with your memoir, Bill."" - John Carlos, 1968 Olympic Bronze Medalist & Civil Rights Icon ""The legacy of achievement, diligence across multiple disciplines, and excellence that Bill set was a bar we all esteemed as unattainable. But the wonderful thing for me has been getting to know the kind, spiritual, humble man behind all of that achievement."" - Kirk Whalum, Grammy Award-Winning Jazz Saxophonist

Author Information

Dr. Bill Hurd is a pioneering ophthalmologist, philanthropist, and former All-American track star. A leader in vision care, he has restored sight to thousands through his global cataract surgery missions in underserved regions such as Madagascar and Mexico. A Notre Dame track record-holder (Class of '69), he furthered his education at MIT and Meharry Medical College, becoming a distinguished ophthalmologist and medical innovator. Beyond medicine, he is an accomplished jazz saxophonist and inventor with multiple medical technology patents. Guided by a lifelong commitment to service, Dr. Hurd continues to impact lives through his expertise, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to community empowerment.

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