The idea of Patient Memoirs was conceived about two years ago, by Dr. Amin a prominent Family Physician, with special interest in patient education, from Cumbria, UK.
Early hours of Sunday morning, around 3AM on 25th of July 2010. I was sitting and waiting at Dubai Airport, for my connecting flight to Newcastle-upon-Tyme. Next to me was an elderly man sitting and continuously writing in his notebook. In a while I started thinking what could he be writing continuously. So after two hours I could not resist and asked him, "Sir, if you don't mind me asking what are you writing so intensely?"
He turned around and gently replied, "I am writing the story of my life from the time I can remember it." And then he told me, "I suffer from Parkinson's Disease, when I use to go to restaurants and wait, people use to stare at me due to my tremors. Two years ago, I was at my grandson's 10th birthday and he asked me to write a birthday note. While writing the birthday note I noticed that my hand didn't shake as much. Since then, whenever I am waiting at a public place, I write my life story. It has changed my life completely, now I enjoy going out."
At that time I heard the boarding call for my flight, I said goodbye to the gentleman and left the conversation. However, during my next leg of the journey I kept thinking about how to create a meeting place which enable patients to exchange these life changing stories, tips and suggestions. This led me to create Patient Memoirs which provides a collaborative platform for patients, care givers and health professionals.