Meet Dr. Jesús Martín-Fernández—a 30-year-old neurosurgeon, conductor, and polymath whose daily schedule reads like a script for a blockbuster film. When you read these words, he could be removing a brain tumor from a patient who’s awake, conducting a symphony in Budapest, exploring quantum physics and the brain, filming a documentary about his life, or composing classical music. Yes, it’s all true—and he manages it all in just 24 hours a day.

Dr. Martín isn’t your typical surgeon. He began his passion for the brain at the tender age of six, poring over encyclopedias about the most complex organ in the human body. Life took on even more meaning after his uncle underwent surgery for a right-hemisphere tumor—a procedure that left his uncle forever changed, robbed of his creativity. Determined to do things differently, Dr. Martín later performed the kind of surgery he wished his uncle had received. Now, he’s making history not only in Spain but around the world with innovative “à la carte” procedures where patients stay awake, allowing for real-time, tailored adjustments during surgery.

A Life of Extraordinary Contrasts

Dr. Martín’s life is a whirlwind of passion and relentless drive. In an interview, he candidly shared that he often sleeps only three to five hours a night. Last week alone, he made history in Barcelona with the first right-brain awake surgery that maps emotions, flew to Oxford for a masterclass in orchestral direction, and then rushed to Montpellier for another operation—all while juggling his ongoing studies and his passion for music composition.

He jokes about the constant pressure:

“I think I’ll die soon,” he admits, reflecting on the toll his lifestyle may take.
“I haven’t had time to even think about the 30 crisis,” he adds with a wry smile.

Despite his grueling schedule, Dr. Martín sees his work not as an obligation but as a true passion. He even compares the precision required in surgery to that of conducting an orchestra. Just as a conductor listens for every note to create a harmonious symphony, a surgeon must be acutely aware of every tiny detail in the operating room. For him, both worlds demand creativity, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Revolutionizing “À la Carte” Surgery

What sets Dr. Martín apart is his pioneering approach to surgery. Traditionally, operations are performed with patients under anesthesia. But he offers something radically different: “à la carte” surgery—tailoring the procedure to each patient’s unique needs while they’re awake. He explains that this method allows patients to remain engaged, preserving the delicate “house of cards” that is their emotional and cognitive world. For example, a musician undergoing surgery shouldn’t be forced to play an instrument during the procedure if it doesn’t align with their emotional state. Instead, every aspect of the surgery is customized, ensuring that the patient’s identity remains intact.

He even tackles the tough question of compensation, nonchalantly asking, “How should a patient with a tumor be affected by me being underpaid?” For him, the drive to work tirelessly, even at the expense of personal comfort and social life, is a small price to pay for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in neurosurgery.

Balancing Passion with Reality

When asked about the impact of his exhausting lifestyle, Dr. Martín admits that it’s not ideal. He relies on copious amounts of coffee and acknowledges that his approach might eventually take its toll. Yet, his family supports him, understanding that his single-minded pursuit of knowledge and perfection began when he was just a child—up until his early morning hours solving complex equations simply because he was fascinated by mathematics.

His multifaceted career—ranging from being the world’s most cited neurosurgeon at 28 (a title he quickly outgrew by deleting his Instagram account after an overwhelming influx of followers) to receiving international accolades for his research on awake multilingual surgeries—shows that he’s unafraid to challenge the status quo. Whether he’s operating in the OR or directing a symphony, Dr. Martín is a living testament to the idea that the realms of art and science can intersect to create something truly extraordinary.

A Vision for the Future

Dr. Martín dreams of a future where healthcare is both advanced and accessible. He envisions a public health system that offers high-level, personalized surgeries for everyone—proving that even in the demanding world of neurosurgery, innovation and empathy can coexist. As he prepares for his next operation—while also working on AI projects, pursuing a master’s in orchestral direction, and composing music inspired by Bosch’s paintings—he reminds us that true passion knows no boundaries.

His story is a vivid reminder that in the realm of medicine, as in life, it’s the blend of creativity, hard work, and relentless dedication that paves the way for groundbreaking innovations. Dr. Martín’s journey encourages us all to embrace our passions, no matter how unconventional they may seem.