Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What book is Dr. Sacks working on now?
"Unanticiopatable, unplanned, awaiting inspiration, nucleation, as always...All that i can say, at this point, is that I will return again to my heart's work, the patients among whom I have spent the last forty years, and draw their stories in various ways: aging will be a major theme, the power of music another, but there will be a dozen other themes which I cannot even begin to imagine at this point."
Q: What happened to the patients and other characters in the AWAKENINGS movie?
The movie AWAKENINGS is a fictionalized drama based on Dr. Sacks true account. There is no Dr. Sayer, but Dr. Sacks is still practicing medicine and writing books & articles. There is no Nurse Eleanor. The patient "Leonard" died, as have all the AWAKENINGS patients--but many lived long and relatively rewarding lives. Their real story is told in the book AWAKENINGS .
Q: How can I see the Awakenings documentary?
Unfortunately, the Awakenings documentary is not available on home video. Currently, we are negotiating rights issues and hope to be able to make the film available to educational institutions for screenings in the near future. For more information, please email Sarah Chalfant: schalfant at wylieagency dot com
Q: How can I contact Dr. Sacks?
Dr. Sacks does not use computers or email and is not available to speak with potential patients or fans over the phone. He does, however, read letters and faxes and tries his best to respond when possible. He receives mail at 2 Horatio Street #3G, New York, NY 10014 USA. His fax number is 212-633-8928. Please be sure to include a return address or fax number on your correspondence.
Q: How can I make an appointment to see Dr. Sacks?
Dr. Sacks sees a limited number of patients in his offices at the NYU-Mt. Sinai Comprehensive Epilepsy Center. He does not see children. To inquire about making an appointment, please have your physician fax, or mail, a brief letter to the address above. Include a short medical history and information about the patient's current situation, medications, etc. DO NOT include extensive medical records or send films.
Q: I do not live in New York City. Could Dr. Sacks see me in my own city?
Unfortunately, Dr. Sacks sees patients only in New York and has a limited number of appointments available on Tuesday afternoons.
Q: I am a student. How can I study with Dr. Sacks? Would he be my thesis advisor?
Dr. Sacks is not actively teaching and has no medical office of his own. Additionally, his very erratic schedule makes it impossible for him to take on students or even work-study help. Nor can he advise on projects or dissertations.
Q: I am writing a paper on AWAKENINGS. Where can I find information?
There is an excellent bibliography in the Appendix of Dr. Sacks's book AWAKENINGS.
I have heard that Dr. Sacks is losing his eyesight. Is this true?
Well, yes and no. Several years ago, Dr. Sacks was diagnosed with a tumor in his right eye, very close to the fovea. The tumor has been fully treated with radiation and lasering, but he has lost most of his central vision and some of his peripheral vision on that side. His left eye is fine, and he can read pretty well, though he needs some extra magnification. He is (of course) keeping journals of his experiences, and will be writing more about them.