A Doctor's Journey

<br><br><b>The tragic. The comic. The inspirational. Poignant tales that show what forms the fabric of today's physicians.<br><br></b>Practicing neurologist Frederic A. Mendelsohn takes you on an insider's journey through the sometimes startling landscape of American medicine today. Inspired by his own encounters during thirty-five years of clinical practice Mendelsohn's stories range from the tragic to the droll but each speaks in some way to the incredible strength of the human spirit. Here's a taste of the remarkable stories in A Doctor's Journey: Searching for Salvation - A teenage boy is seriously injured in a boating accident but the effects of his accident are even greater on the boy who injured him. Casanova Complex - A gifted surgeon who looks like Tom Cruise - if Tom Cruise were on steroids - gets an unexpected fifteen minutes of fame while romping with a hospital nurse. Wally the Whale - A tale about several epileptic patients but mostly about Wally an unforgettable character who tries to murder the good doctor. Angela's Angel - A young woman critically injured in a motor vehicle accident makes a miraculous recovery but the infant daughter of her angelic sister - who has been part of that recovery -- suffers a heartbreaking medical tragedy of her own. Mambo Mendez - Part confessional part memoir part introduction to the author's musical heritage this story shows the struggle of blending family life with the rigors of a medical practice. Mendelsohn also explores the notion that a strong background in Debussy Ravel and Satie may do as much to prompt the mental creativity and flexibility essential to successful doctoring as does a comprehensive training in phrenic nerves and conversion disorders.