Practicing and Other Stories

About the Book

This is the autobiography of a surgeon who began life in the Bronx, New York. His colorful memoirs describe his childhood and education, and critically analyze scientific contributions in vascular disease, shock and treatment of impotence. He describes what it was like do general practice in the Bronx along with experiences in New York City; in Seville, Spain as a young Air Force Officer; residency and practice in Cleveland, Ohio; Reno, Nevada; and Washington DC. Dr. De Palma reflects upon life in rapidly changing times as well as responsibilities and uncertainties that exist in academic medicine and research.

About the Author

Dr. Ralph DePalma describes dilemmas in health care confronting doctors, patients, and health care administrators at a time when society is on the verge of initiating health care reform. He tells provocative stories about individuals and episodes of surgical care taking place during different times, in differing settings, and with differing means of financial reimbursement. He considers potential solutions for dilemmas that are barriers to achieving Ideal Health, “A state of complete physical, mental, and social well being.” With each case history, the author offers penetrating insights into health and disease by focusing upon the complaints of patients, doctors and the health care establishment itself, particularly when complaints fall outside of mainstream cultural norms. This book looks back at problems and solutions for half a century to anticipate a bright future for medical care in a progressive society. Dr. DePalma, a prominent surgeon, has held leadership positions in American Surgery including Surgical Chairmanships at the School of Medicine of University of Nevada and at George Washington University in Washington DC. He has served as National Director of Surgery for the Department of Veterans Affairs where his office helped facilitate this Agency’s improvements in quality of surgical care. His scientific contributions include text book and peer reviewed publications in general and vascular surgery, shock, treatment of sexual dysfunction, atherosclerosis and advanced venous disease. Cover Art Surgeons: Etching by Nancy J. Shook 1963; Author’s Collection