This little tome is a compilation of all my surgical writings—80 of them—over 24 years. All the articles have been editorially reviewed before publication in the RACS member publication, Surgical News.  

My mentor, the late Dr Don Marshall reviewed these writings as an editorial assistant and part of the peer review process. In simplistic terms the book highlights the development of my surgical career, with a focus on the personalities—locally and internationally—that have influenced me.  

I came upon the Keystone concept earlier and with Don’s initial acceptance it has been a rewarding development leading to its international acceptance. The National Library of Medicine archives in Maryland, USA quotes the Keystone has been cited 210 times in many published articles.

So, this book is really a synopsis of my surgical developments and characteristics with relevant stories of surgical and historic interest.

We must learn from history and history teaches us wisdom from our experiences.

If you would like to buy my book you can email me at: felix@felixbehan.com.au

Below are some reviews from senior RACS personalities, which all add to its editorial acceptance and gives a synopsis of its merits:

Professor Phil Truskett: “This book will appeal to all who have an interest in surgical history, but it will also appeal to a wider readership. These short, well researched articles also give insight into the philosophy and practice of surgery, seen through the perceptive eyes of a leader in his field who respects innovation and inventiveness.”

Professor John Hanrahan: “Surgeons are an educated breed, most with extensive interests beyond their immediate clinical field, but few would know the detail of most of Felix’s stories. RACS is fortunate indeed to have such erudite and interesting contributions on a regular basis!”

Professor Wayne Morrison: “His unique writing style is sometimes a stream of apparently rambling, disjointed thought bubbles effervescing down pathways always interesting but seemingly of little relevance to his apparent theme. Coming to a fork in the road he takes it, continually challenging the genius of the reader to follow. But between the lines, there is a moral tale or a lesson.”

Professor Earle Brown: “Associate Professor Felix Behan with his book, Letters from Spring Street, follows in the traditions of great storytellers. This is a fascinating book containing a series of essays … it is the title and masthead of the Felix Behan’s essay that many of us look for and read first.”

Professor Brian Collopy: “The 80+ articles, written over the last 24 years are both informative and entertaining, ‘en passant’ expanding our knowledge of history (not confined to surgical), architecture, art, music, coffee, food, wine and philosophy.”

These are all excerpts from their forewords in the book.