In the Wars: An uplifting, life-enhancing autobiography, a poignant story of the power of resilience

(Paperback)

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A refugee's story of grit and resilience from the war-torn streets of Afghanistan to studying medicine at Cambridge and his extraordinary contribution to society now saving lives worldwide. Born in war-torn Afghanistan, Waheed Arian's first memories are of bombs. His first-hand experience of the power of medicine inspired him to dedicate his life to healing others. But how does a boy with nothing hope to become a doctor Fleeing the conflict with his family, he spent much of his childhood in refugee camps in Pakistan, living sometimes ten to a room without basic sanitation or access to education. Waheed largely taught himself, from textbooks bought from street-sellers, and learned English from the BBC World Service. Smuggled to the UK at fifteen with just a hundred dollars in his pocket, he found a job in a shop. He was advised to set his sights on becoming a taxi driver. But the boy from Kabul had bigger ambitions. Working through PTSD and anxiety, he studied all hours to achieve his vocation. He was accepted to read medicine at Cambridge University, Imperial College and Harvard, and went on to become a doctor in the NHS, currently in A&E. But he wanted to do more. In 2015 he founded Arian Teleheal, a pioneering global charity that connects doctors in war zones and low-resource countries with their counterparts in the US, UK, Europe and Australia. Together, learning from each other, they save and change lives - the lives of millions of people just like Waheed. For readers of Educated and War Doctor, this is the extraordinary memoir of a boy who recognized the power of education and dreamed about helping others. It is a tale of courage, ambition and unwavering resilience in the face of all the challenges that life can throw in your way.

Reviews

'A thrilling and absorbing read from first to last. What a life and what an inspiration.' * STEPHEN FRY *
'Anyone who reads Dr Arian's remarkable memoir will put it down inspired by the immense power and resilience of the human will. Spanning from war-wracked Kabul to the lecture halls of Cambridge, Dr Arian tells a riveting story of loss, exile, and rebirth. At a time when displacement has become increasingly politicized, this book is a gift, a dazzling testimony to the extraordinary contributions that refugees make to the host communities that welcome them.' * KHALED HOSSEINI *
'A phenomenal story of a boy's realisation that saving others was the way to help himself. From war in Afghanistan to refugee camps and escaping to Britain, he understood that by educating himself he could benefit the world.' -- Alice Thompson * THE TIMES *
'A powerful, heart-warming account of a young man's escape from war and deprivation to extraordinary success in serving the people of his new country. his is a book which thoroughly deserves to be read and celebrated. I was moved and delighted by it.' * JOHN SIMPSON *
'A story of astonishing resilience. An incredible story about an incredible man.' * DAVID BECKHAM *

An immensely powerful and moving account of a child who endured war, trauma, displacement and racism, yet who never faltered in his passion to help others through becoming a doctor. Dr Arian's journey, resilience and heart are truly remarkable.

* DR RACHEL CLARKE *
'An extraordinary achievement' * ALAN JOHNSON *
'A remarkable story. I thought this book was brilliant.' * NAGA MUNCHETTY *
'A story of unflinching, relentless determination to fulfil a dream...The reader discovers that miracles can and do happen when intelligence and resolve meet individuals and institutions prepared to offer a helping hand.' * Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees *
'A moving and amazing story.' * SUNDAY MORNING LIVE *
'An NHS hero.' * THE MIRROR *
'(Waheed's) life story is utterly remarkable.' * THE JEREMY VINE SHOW *
'An inspiration.' * EDDIE NESTOR, BBC Radio London *
'Waheed's story is one of ambition, hope, healing past traumas, inspiration, giving, generosity and compassion and moving the needle of progress. I can't recommend his book enough.' * THE EMMA GUNS SHOW *
'One of the most incredible life stories... A lesson to be drawn for others.' * JAMES OBRIEN *
'Unbelievably inspiring . . .everyone has to read In the Wars,' * MO GAWDAT *
'One of the most incredible stories. So much so that it genuinely sounds as unbelievable as the plot of a Hollywood movie.' * DR RUPY AUJLA *
'A moving and amazing story.' * SUNDAY MORNING LIVE *
A vivid memoir. It's such a moving journey and horribly topical. * Michael Berkeley, BBC Radio 3 Private Passions *

Author Bio

Waheed Arian is an NHS A&E doctor and founder of the pioneering charity Arian Teleheal, which works directly with clinicians on the ground in low-resource and war-torn countries. As an adviser, he helps global organizations and governments with the development of their healthcare and education systems. Dr Arian is an NHS Innovation Mentor and was appointed in 2019 to the WHO Roster of Digital Health Experts. Recognized as a UNESCO Global Hope Hero and a UN Global Goals Goalkeeper, in 2021 he was named Doctor of the Year in the Who Cares Wins Awards and chosen by The Times as one of their people of the year. In 2022 he was the winner of the Achievement Through Adversity category in the 23rd GG2 Leadership and Diversity Awards and The World Citizen Award from TRT. He is a sought-after speaker at national and international conferences and events.