Steep Turn

the long version

This true-life narrative describes a thirteen-year segment of the author’s life. It begins with a detailed description of life as a medical intern followed by a brief stint practicing rural medicine in the tiny town of Grand Coulee, Washington, as a fresh new physician. The story continues with an account of his duties as a naval flight surgeon during the Vietnam War years and, finally, his experience in private practice in a small resort town in North Idaho. Throughout the period, he questions his choice of a career in medicine and struggles with the decision to leave it all behind to pursue a lifetime dream.