Writing a book is never just about words on a page; it is about experiences, questions, and the courage to give those questions a voice. My journey to writing Medical Thunks was shaped not by solitary reflection alone, but by countless interactions with people, by brainstorming sessions, and by moments of silence that demanded deeper thought.

Questions that Sparked a Journey

The seed of this book was planted while attending various sessions — lectures, training programs, and discussions where people would raise questions that lingered long after the event was over. These were not the kind of questions with straightforward answers; they were questions that made us pause, reflect, and sometimes feel uncomfortable.

Someone once asked: “Can silence heal more than medicine?” Another asked: “Is success in medicine measured in recovery, or in dignity restored?” Such questions had the power to stir not only the mind but the heart.

I began collecting these questions, not as curiosities, but as sparks of reflection. They became the “thunks” — short, thought-provoking prompts that challenge our assumptions.

Brainstorming and Refining the Thunks

The word thunk itself reflects brainstorming — that sudden spark of thought that makes you stop and think differently. Each thunk is deceptively simple, but behind its simplicity lies depth.

In brainstorming sessions with peers, colleagues, and even patients, I began shaping these thunks into a collection. Some emerged from medical practice, others from cultural traditions, and many from the blending of both. Over time, I realized these were not just questions; they were mirrors — reflecting our approach to healing, ethics, and humanity.

Meeting INKDEW: From Ideas to a Published Book

The turning point in this journey came when I came into contact with INKDEW, a publishing house known for its passion for literature and its commitment to nurturing voices that challenge conventional thinking.

With their guidance, encouragement, and editorial support, the raw collection of questions began to take the shape of a book. Together, we carefully curated the best 100 thunks — each chosen for its ability to provoke thought, inspire dialogue, and expand perspectives.

The Naming and Identity of the Book

Naming the book Medical Thunks was both natural and intentional. The word medical grounds it in the world of healing, practice, and science. The word thunks gives it its distinct identity — not answers, but provocations; not conclusions, but beginnings of conversations.

We wanted the book to be accessible, yet profound; simple to hold, yet deep to journey through. The title became a promise: that each page would invite the reader not just to read, but to pause and reflect.

What Medical Thunks Represents

This book is not a textbook, nor a manual. It is a reflection space. It is for doctors who wonder about the soul of their work, for students whose questions do not fit into exams, and for anyone who believes healing is more than procedures and prescriptions.

Through Medical Thunks, I wanted to remind myself — and the world — that the deepest healing often begins with a question.

Looking Ahead

The journey of Medical Thunks does not end with publication. In many ways, it is only the beginning. Each reader who engages with the book will bring their own reflections, their own answers, and perhaps, their own new thunks.

Books live not only in the hands of the writer but in the minds of the readers. My hope is that this book will continue to provoke, inspire, and heal — long after the final page is turned.

“A thunk is not an answer. It is an invitation — to think, to feel, and to see healing in a new light.”

— Dr. Jyoti Ranjan Dash