Dr. Howard Adkins has written The Dash of Doctor Todd; a book that gives us a peek into the practice of medicine in pioneering environments of the Wild West. It makes one reflect on the struggles, austere environments and just how far we have come in knowledge and techniques. However, it is also a fascinating story of a young doctor embarking out beyond the world known and comfortable world to bring his skills to those in real need.
Dr. Adkins drew upon facts from his great grandfather's practice of medicine in the Oregon and Idaho Territories to create a setting and story that rolls and shifts across the waves of an ocean; just like the whaler - Ellie Mae. The adventurous saga of an American frontier doctor is set in the mid-nineteenth century and reflects his struggles to find meaning in life and desire to heal while being constrained by limitations in tools and knowledge. This includes being open to the methods from other cultures.
For those of us who have watched the evolution of medicine and healthcare, this story broadens our view and makes us truly appreciate the advancements we have accomplished. While there is always room for improvement, we have come a long way... baby!
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