About the Author:
Dr. Mathew K. M. Puthiyidom is a renowned specialist surgeon in arthroplasty and arthroscopy at St. Thomas Hospital, Chethipuzha, Changanassery, and SH Medical Centre, Kottayam. He is an alumnus of the prestigious Government Medical College, Kottayam, and currently serves as the State Vice President of the Kerala Orthopaedic Association. Dr. Mathew is also an active social media writer and has published several articles in Malayalam.

He hails from Pangada village near Pampady in the Kottayam District and was born to Mr. Mathai K. M. and Mrs. Annamma Mathew. Dr. Mathew is married to Dr. Cuckoo John, the Chief Anaesthetist at St. Thomas Hospital, Chethipuzha. The couple has a son, Paul Mathew Puthiyidom, who is currently a student.

TLT: Well, “Thank DoG” is a rare collaboration between a surgeon and a patient. What inspired you to step beyond the operation theatre and into the world of storytelling?

Dr. Mathew: The world of reading has always been a passion for me, but the idea of being a writer was entirely new and unplanned. In fact, it all happened without any premeditated thought process. My co-author, who is also my patient, initially requested a short afterword for her planned book. That “afterword” eventually expanded into sixteen chapters – and ultimately, I became the co-author. Yes, it was purely accidental!

TLT: What kind of responses are you getting on this book of yours? What was the impetus behind this work of yours?

Dr. Mathew: The responses have been incredibly encouraging and heartwarming – right from the very first day. What amazed me the most was that people from all walks of life resonated with the book. Many said it was easy to read while also being thought- provoking and the seamless flow of the narrative was highly appreciated as well. If I had to pinpoint the true impetus behind the work, I’d say it was ultimately my love for words.

TLT: Your book’s title, “Thank DoG” appears to be very catchy as well as thought-provoking. Well, what made you go for this particular title?

Dr. Mathew: The credit goes to Jyothy, my co-author, for selecting that title. Thank DoG starts with a dog and ends with the story of writing the book itself. The choice to spell “Dog” with a capital “G” was intentional and sparked some philosophical conversations once the book was released – which added another layer of intrigue.

TLT: What was your mind-set, while working on this book? What are some of those major points which you expect the readers to extract from this book?  

Dr. Mathew: We take great pleasure in narrating stories. What would you do if someone requested that you do the same for a captivating book? All I did was put pen to paper and record my thoughts and observations. So, instead of being anxious to write fresh fiction, my frame of mind had been one that was easy, light, and conversational. In certain circumstances, I found myself engaging in self-reflection and gaining insights as well. At the end of each chapter, I incorporated a few takeaways to give flavour and contemplation to the story.

TLT: How is this book different from the other titles of the same genre? And who are some of those writers and authors, whom you follow?

Dr. Mathew: Our book is subtitled “An Auto/pathographic Memoir”. The forward slash signifies that it is an autopathography and a pathography merged into one. Thank DoG is the first ever medical memoir collaboratively written by a patient and a doctor and have won three world records till date. But when it comes to other autopathography memoirs, my favorite picks would be Paul Kalanithi (When Breath Becomes Air) and Oliver Sacks (A Leg to Stand On).

TLT: Next, can you please tell us some of those points which the budding authors should follow while working on ‘Biographies & Autobiographies’ genre!

Dr. Mathew: Honestly, I feel I’m not yet in a position to give advice, as I consider myself a beginner in this field. I’m still learning – so please pardon me for that!

TLT: Which segment of readers is your primary target through this book of yours? And, how is your book relevant in the present- day scenario?

Dr. Mathew: Primarily, I’d say the book is meant for all the medical practitioners. I believe that it offers insights into the emotional and psychological dimensions of illness, along with the medical dimension, from both the patient’s and the doctor’s standpoints. That aspect could be enlightening for the common people as well, who often remain unaware of the real lives through illnesses, treatments and healing. To really know them, you have to be in their shoes and walk a bit!

TLT: Is there any message that you would like to convey to your readers? Or any piece of advice, which you would like to give to the readers out there!

Dr. Mathew: There are always two sides to a story. A hospital becomes an accumulation of shared memories- the journey of a patient and a doctor through an accident and subsequent recovery, shock and resilience, caregiving and receiving care, and so on. The cornerstone of humanity and every narrative is love- love for oneself, for all living things, and for the nature too. Thank DoG is such a story that would urge you to be multidimensional and inclusive during your every thick and thin.             

TLT: Now that “Thank DoG” is out, what’s next for you as an author? Can the readers expect more such incredible works in the future?

Dr. Mathew: This question echoes within me as well. Thank DoG has brought a new sense of responsibility to my life and my work. I definitely hope to continue writing – and aspire to come out with even better creative works in the future.

TLT: Thank you so much for answering all my questions. Best wishes to you for the book!

Dr. Mathew: Thank you very much, Dr. Neel and The Literature Today, for your kind support and encouragement. I’m truly grateful.