Ian Bone

As a UK National Health Service neurologist and honorary University professor, I spent a large part of my thirty-five years career treating those with epilepsy. Over the same period of time, I have had the first-hand experience of epilepsy through a family member who lives with seizures. Seeing epilepsy from both sides of the fence has created awareness that successful treatment requires an understanding of the social and personal implications of living with epilepsy in addition to controlling seizures. Historically, conditions such as epilepsy are tackled by doctors who often had little understanding of the social consequences of illness. Through my personal journey, I have become aware that disability lies not just with the individual but also with how society takes into account that person’s needs. It is this awareness that has led me to write “Sacred Lifes.”

As well as being a clinician I have published widely, edited a journal, examined undergraduate and postgraduate students, supervised research, co-written three textbooks and refereed research grant applications as well as being an advisor to the Scottish Government on neurology services. I have lectured medical students and doctors worldwide in places such as Nepal, India and the West Bank. Since retiring I continue to lecture, write and have been a trustee of several medical charities. I helped establish clinical governance at the William Quarrier Scottish Epilepsy Centre to whom any funds raised by this book will be donated.