SANDIP V MATHUR MD

When I went to medical school in India, I wanted to become an academician, a Professor, like my father. I wanted to see patients, teach students and conduct research. I trained in London and Houston and was about to join a teaching faculty, but at the last minute, things did not work out. That's another story entirely.

A small town in Texas offered me a green card if I were to practice there for three years. So I became a doctor practicing in the real world. It worked out so well that I stayed there another three years without a contract, for a total of six years. I worked in an underserved rural area with just the basic medical facilities. The experience was extraordinary! We used basic medical skills, rudimentary lab and X-ray help, and minimal back-up. We looked after cowboys, ranchers, oilmen, and their friends and families. They are wonderful, honest, straightforward folk and it was a privilege to serve them.

As a physician, I'm fortunate to share the amazing lives of many people. What interests me is that their stories are always more interesting than I could have imagined.

The purpose of this book is to tell their story and honor them.