'The fascinating journey and breakthroughs of a compassionate and driven doctor dedicated to reducing patient pain.’ Tara Moss, Bestselling Author & Painaustralia Champion
‘If you want to know the inner workings of medicine—of the people behind the breakthroughs and the advances, then this is the book for you. It charts an arc of over 50 years in the life of a remarkable individual. This is a fascinating reading.’ Dr Marc Russo, Pain Medicine Specialist
‘I am enthralled and can’t put the book down. The fascinating story of the man who brought pain medicine to Australia and devoted his life to the pursuit of pain relief.’ John D. Loeser, M. D, Pain Medicine Pioneer
‘Professor Cousins has shown impressive devotion to understanding and treating pain that will have an enduring impact on the quality of life for so many Australians for decades to come.’ Pete Rudland, Former SAS Trooper
‘Breaking Through the Pain Barrier is a worthy tribute to Professor Michael Cousins. So many patients have benefited from the work Prof Cousins has done to improve the care of pain patients, from his holistic approach to pain and focus on brain re-training, pacing and neuroscience. It’s an engaging book, showing the reader the clinician, researcher and Prof Cousins’ family life as well. It offers hope to patients too, that pain can be better managed through access to holistic pain clinics and services.’ Sophie Scott, Journalist, Broadcaster, Author and Pain Champion
‘A meticulous, inspiring study of one extraordinary life. Gabriella Kelly-Davies’ compelling and passionate account shows how medicine can be transformed by the power of one individual. This work of integrity and compassion offers us some much-needed hope.’ Lee Kofman, Author of 'Imperfect'
‘A revealing book about an exceptional man who changed the way Australia responds to pain.' Carol Bennett, CEO, Painaustralia
‘This is a profoundly moving book celebrating the life and legacy of a remarkable man. As his patient and biographer, Gabriella overlooks nothing as she records Michael Cousins’ ground-breaking achievements and life-long commitment to improving the treatment of pain. Gabriella reveals the victories and frustrations of Michael’s medical career, as well as his great human qualities: a kind and caring physician, a loyal friend and a devoted family man. This is a book to bring joy to any reader: a fellow physician or simply a fellow human being.’ Lesley Brydon AM, Founding CEO Painaustralia
‘Michael Cousins is a rare person whose vision for pain management is matched by his intellect and compassion. Michael’s work has made a difference to the lives of not only Australians but those living with pain conditions everywhere.’ Robert Regan, Former Chair Painaustralia, and Group General Counsel and Company Secretary Downer Group
'I always find it interesting to read of a subject’s origins and see how those influenced the outcome of their life. I highly recommend Breaking Through the Pain Barrier to people interested in biographies of extraordinary achievement, those in the medical profession, and anyone who experiences chronic pain.' Cate Sawyer, Author
‘Professor Cousins is a dedicated researcher and clinician who is committed to achieving lasting change in the way that Australia and many other countries around the world address chronic pain. I recommend this book to those with an interest in making a difference in the lives of those affected by complex health and other challenges.’ Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston, Painaustralia Patron
‘It is fascinating to read a person’s beginnings and support systems revealed against the platform of what an extraordinary individual goes on to achieve. Rarely do the exceptional simply appear out of nowhere. It required an experienced biographer who understands the substance of narrative to be tasked with the important recording of Dr Cousins' extraordinary life and work. Gabriella Kelly-Davies expertly captures the special memories, ordinary and extraordinary moments, anecdotes, and history, that showcase why and how Dr Cousins made a difference to people’s lives, and is so well-deserved of the accolade that is Breaking Through the Pain Barrier—a valuable addition to Australia’s history.' Carolyn Martinez, Director, Hawkeye Publishing
'Breaking Through the Pain Barrier is an eminently readable history of pain management through the eyes and work of its foremost Australian advocate, Dr Michael Cousins. The vision and devotion of this scientist and clinician is nothing less than astounding. The author has nailed the account of his life’s work and many successes while framing them with personal anecdotes that endear Dr Cousins to all of us, especially those who’ve suffered chronic pain themselves.' Annemieke, Reviewer
'Every politician, policymaker, hospital administrator, medical practitioner, and sufferer of chronic pain should read this book.' J. E. Miller, Reviewer and Author
'It is a brilliant book about an amazing doctor and a true gentleman. My GP is reading it and recommending it to colleagues.' Elaine, Reviewer
