Tucson Festival of Books

Allan Hamilton, M.D.



Kris Hanning

Dr. Allan Hamilton's journey from janitor to Harvard-trained neurosurgeon marks the beginning of an extraordinary career. He holds four professorships at the University of Arizona and has been recognized as "One of the Leading Intellects of the Twenty-First Century." Dr. Hamilton has significantly advanced the field as the sole American recipient of the Lars Leksell Award for his pioneering discoveries in stereotactic neurosurgery and brain tumor therapy.

His expertise extends beyond medicine. He studied creative writing under Rod Serling and has served as a senior medical consultant for Grey's Anatomy for nearly two decades. Dr. Hamilton's seven nonfiction books have received numerous awards and international translations.

His latest book, Cerebral Entanglements—How the Brain Shapes Our Private and Public Lives, (released on February 11, 2025, promises to explore the brain's influence on our personal emotional lives but also how that reflects on broader societal themes, everything from love to racism, laughter to mass murder, and music to spirituality. 

Dr. Hamilton is a decorated Army veteran who has served on White House Advisory Committees under two administrations. Additionally, he is a world-renowned horse whisperer and Horseman of the Year, with his work in equine therapy highlighted in the feature-length documentary "Playing with Magic." He lives in Tucson with his wife, a clinical psychologist, and his extended family. Dr. Hamilton heads up the University's healthcare simulation facility and its Artificial Intelligence Division in Healthcare Education.

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Awards: Nautilus Book Award (1 Silver; 2 Gold), Benjamin Franklin Silver Medal, "IPPY" (Independent Publishers Book Award)

Communities: Arizona Author, Tucsonan, Military Veteran, Interested in the role of brain function in matters of gender, racism, mass murder


Scheduled events:
Medical Mysteries
A normal afternoon leads to a near death experience. Unbearable family loss influences the search for a cancer cure. A neurosurgeon witnesses the inexplicable. What part does our brain play in these intriguing mysteries? Three experts weigh in with personal stories and scientific research. Presented by TMC Health President & CEO Jennifer Mendrzycki

Student Union North Ballroom (Seats 560)  View this venue on the Festival map
Sat, Mar 15, 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Memoir / Essays / Creative Nonfiction
Signing area: Sales & Signing Area - Rincon Room (following presentation)  View this venue on the Festival map

Panelists: Allan Hamilton, M.D., Lawrence Ingrassia, Sebastian Junger
Moderator: Francisco Valencia

Books:
Cerebral Entanglements
How the Brain Shapes Our Public and Private Lives
Memoir / Essays / Creative Nonfiction
Post Hill Press
February 2025
ISBN 9798888459485
368 pages

The Scalpel and the Soul
Encounters with Surgery, the Supernatural, and the Healing Power of Hope
Memoir / Essays / Creative Nonfiction
Penguin Publishing Group
April 2009
ISBN 9781585427130
254 pages