Wendy predicted that I would write a book, but it took the nudging of
several friends over the last decade to jump start the project. At a high
school basketball game, Al Kileen earnestly looked at me and insisted I
get to work. At a Super Bowl party, Michael Mason provided the spark that
awakened the long-lost passion to write, and then provided a forum in This
Land to kindle the flame. I can’t thank Michael enough. My dear sister-in-
law Elizabeth Garnsey, a gifted writer and keen editor, gave me early
encouragement and genuine, constructive criticism. The renowned
Jonathan Cott leant his ear and his affirmation over the last five years. His
considerable gift with words is superseded by his loyalty and
thoughtfulness, and this book (and any that follow) simply would not exist
without Jonathan.
Like every writer, I am the product of my upbringing. Growing up in
Manhattan, Kansas I was spoiled to have a few incredible teachers, like
my sixth grade English teacher, Mrs. Frazier, and my eighth grade English
teacher, Mr. Coleman. Dr. Kremer, my high school British literature
teacher was ruthless, and excellent. In college, Mark Williams was an
inspiration.
My first medical hero was Jeff Holtgrewe. In 1988, he started being my
role model in every way, and anchored what I thought it meant to be an
orthopedic surgeon. When medical school and residency were difficult, it
was his example that served as an inspirational lifeline, even as he battled
serious illness.
I feel so deeply grateful to my medical mentors, particularly H. Clarke
Anderson, Vince Pellegrini, and Neal ElAttrache. Fred Reckling, Kevin
Black, Spence Reid, Paul Juliano, Sanjiv Naidu, and James Tibone were
also monumental in my surgical training.
My orthopedic surgery partners in Colorado have been amazingly
supportive of my “hobby” and numerous research trips to Europe and
around the United States. In particular, Jared Foran, Michael Ellman,
Mitch Robinson, Mark Mills, Ed Rowland, Nimesh Patel, Sameer Lodha,
Doug Foulk, Pete Deol, Jim Johnson, Chuck Gottlob, Ron Hugate, Lonnie
Loutzenhiser, and John Froelich have been valuable sounding boards and
enthusiastic supporters. My friends in the medical device industry have
my undying respect, particularly those who reject the status quo. I detest
AdvaMed’s pedantic falseness regarding the relationship between
physicians and corporations, and I assume that thanking world-class
marcin
(Marcin)
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