Memphis to Madagascar: My Life in Focus

"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.