Saeta for a Son

About the Book

This is a biographical account of the life and times of a physician and Episcopal Priest who was born in Spain in 1961 and who died suddenly in June 2006. The account of his life is an open hymn of praise from a father who loved him. The Spanish word Saeta, arrow of praise, describes the tone and tenor of this story. Saeta is connected to the time of the birth of Ralph Lawrence DePalma, which took place just as Holy Week, Semana Santa, began in Sevilla.

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