Recently I received a book review request for a book written by a Pediatric Neurosurgeon. Since our youngest daughter has seen one before, I was very intrigued. As I continued to read the pitch, I realized that the Author was my daughter's doctor! I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Fulkerson last week.
Here is our interview with Dr. Daniel Fulkerson:
1. When did you realize you wanted to be a doctor?
I volunteered with the local EMT service after my freshman year in college. Once I tasted the excitement of helping trauma patients, I decided I wanted to go to medical school.
2. What made you decide to write a book?
I get exposed to amazing children and their families every day. My job is filled with emotional swings -- the joy of helping a child and the despair of kids with problems that we can't fix. I wanted to tell their stories faithfully, in a way that will entertain people with no medical background.
3. Who was your greatest influence?
My greatest professional influences are two people who are the inspiration for major characters in the book -- "The Professor" and Thomas.
4. I read you enjoy video games, what is your favorite game?
I'm embarrassingly good at Guitar Hero and Halo!
5. What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a neurosurgeon?
A student thinking of pursuing a medical specialty should read a standard textbook. If the text is boring, pick another specialty. If the textbook seems exciting, then that specialty may be for you! A person needs to love to read and love to study. It takes four years of medical school, seven years of residency, and one year of fellowship to become a pediatric neurosurgeon. That amount of time requires dedication and a true love of the field.
6. What do you wish you would have known then that you know now?
If I had to redesign medical school, I'd substitute much of the basic science of first year with business and law classes. It is amazing how important the paperwork, rules, and bureaucracy are the minute one graduates from training. These rules are how one makes a living and failure to know the rules can land one in jail. Yet students never get training.
7. If someone was coming to Indianapolis for the first time, what restaurant would you recommend they dine at? (Off the wall I know but since I also cover travel, I always ask)
St. Elmo's -- the most famous restaurant in Indianapolis. Be sure to try the Shrimp Cocktail!
You can purchase his book, "Nothing Good Happens At The Baby Hospital" at Amazon.
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