What started as a quiet personal project quickly grew into something more lasting: a way to take stock of a complicated life and share it with others. In this interview, he reflects on what it meant to look back, what surfaced in the process, and why telling your story is worth the effort, even if you don’t think of yourself as a writer.

Jeannouel, before we dive into your extraordinary book – can you tell us a little about yourself, in your own words?

I was born and raised on the tiny Caribbean island of Curaçao, just 171 square miles of sun, sea, and stories. My roots stretch across Europe – my mother’s side traces back to France, my father’s to the Netherlands. I’ve lived in Venezuela, Curaçao, the Netherlands, and Belgium. I always dreamed of becoming a surgeon, and somehow, I pulled it off. After more than 32 years in the operating room, I’m still standing – still fit, still passionate.

My youth was pure freedom: beach days, mischief, diving off rocks. Later came my student life in Leiden – wild, unforgettable years in a fraternity house while studying medicine. Things turned serious in Leuven, Belgium, where I trained as a surgeon. Then, at 35, I came full circle and returned home to Curaçao to serve my island as a surgeon. It’s been quite a ride.

How did you first discover Memowrite, and what made you decide to give it a try?

I saw an ad for Memowrite on Facebook, and it stopped me in my tracks. I’ve always had the urge to write something about my life, especially for my children from my first marriage, with whom I’ve had a complicated relationship. They’ve always wanted to know more about who I am and where I came from. Memowrite felt like the right tool to finally open up.

Memowrite asked you 50 questions and turned your answers into a book. What surprised you most about reliving your story that way?

It happened in January 2025 – I had some rare time to myself. I treated it like a personal retreat, a sabbatical of the mind. The questions nudged me to pause and really reflect. I found myself digging through old photographs, reliving long-forgotten memories. It was more emotional than I expected. I didn’t realize how much of me was still tucked away in dusty corners of the past.

Your book is over 300 pages long. Did it surprise you how much there was to say once you started writing?

Absolutely. At first, I thought I’d have just a few pages to share. But the moment I started answering the questions, memories kept surfacing – vivid, funny, bittersweet. It was like tapping into a spring that wouldn’t stop flowing. I realized how much I had seen, felt, and lived. You never really know how much you carry until you try to put it into words.

When you first held the printed copy of your book in your hands, how did it feel? Was it different from what you imagined?

I was genuinely surprised by the quality. The cover, the paper, the layout – everything looked beautiful and professional. And I’m not ashamed to admit I used AI to help me write more fluently. After all, it was still my voice, my thoughts, my story. However, Memowrite did a brilliant job transforming my raw answers into something readable and real.

You didn’t just create the book for yourself – you printed over 200 copies! Who are they for, and what do you hope people feel when they hold your story in their hands?

They’re for family, friends, and even patients – people who’ve known me in different ways but maybe never really knew the full story. Some friends teased me, saying it’s a bit vain, but I don’t see it that way. I’m proud of the life I’ve lived. Why not put it on paper? I want others to feel inspired, surprised, maybe even connected when they read it. And I’m planning to ask a local bookstore if they’d like to display a few copies. Who knows? Maybe some curious readers will find it worth picking up.

You’ve lived an extraordinary life: surgeon, father, adventurer, guitarist. Was there a chapter that was especially exciting for you to write?

Definitely the stories from my student years – the road trips with my study friends to France and Ireland, camping under the stars, fly fishing for trout, trolling for pike. We had no money, just tents, fishing rods, and the joy of being young and free. Those moments were pure gold. Writing them down felt like going back in time and sitting by the campfire again.

Let’s talk about your surgical career. You’ve done over 10,000 surgeries, but in your book, you also show the emotional and human side of medicine. Why was that important to include?

Because medicine isn’t just about cutting and stitching – it’s about trust, empathy, and honesty. Building a real, confidential relationship with a patient can do half the healing before the operation even begins. I’ve always believed in being transparent: saying what I can do, and also what I can’t. Knowing your limits is just as important as knowing your skills. I wanted readers to understand that behind the surgical mask is a human being who listens, worries, cares.

There’s clearly more to tell. Are you considering writing a second part to continue the story – perhaps focusing more on what comes next?

Absolutely. I’ve got a whole Pandora’s box of stories left – the quirky colleagues, the bizarre patient encounters, the lessons that didn’t fit neatly into a first book. I’m even considering writing it as a novel, using fictional names but with characters inspired by real people. A bit of truth wrapped in imagination. I’ll have more time toward the end of the year, and the itch to write hasn’t gone away.

If someone’s thinking about doing a Memowrite book but still hesitating, what would you say to encourage them?

I’ve had several friends say, “Wow, you actually did it?” They admire the idea but think they’re too busy. I tell them, “Look – if I could find the time between surgeries and fishing trips, so can you.” You don’t need to be a writer. You just need to start. Answer one question. Then another. Before you know it, your story’s there, looking back at you – and it’s worth every minute.