Juvenile Delinquent to Surgeon

After watching his mother die of tuberculosis at age thirteen for two years John lived with his abusive alcoholic father. During those two years he was arrested three times for minor crimes. At fifteen he changed the date on his birth certificate and joined the army. As an orderly at Walter Reed Army Hospital he witnessed an appendectomy and at that moment he decided to be a surgeon.</p>Unable to get suitable work after his army discharge he joined the navy. After three years in the Navy he applied to two colleges and both rejected his applications because he didn't have a valid high school diploma. After attending night school he received a valid high school diploma and St. Peter's College accepted him.</p>In the face of adversity he finished college medical school a rotating internship a surgical residency and successfully passed the general surgical boards. He went on to enjoy a prosperous career as a general chest and vascular surgeon.</p><i>Juvenile Delinquent to Surgeon</i> tells Dr. Wrable's story of hard work persistence and determination that are the essential ingredients to achieve a dream.</p>