Up from South Philly

How and why does one become a neurosurgeon? Dr. Anthony Chiurco delineates a life in medicine that moves from childhood on the rough streets of south Philadelphia to success in a career that is as stressful as it is profoundly rewarding. He discusses his early programming by the Catholic Church and the eventual dismissal of organized religion and his path to atheism. The fallacy of various religious beliefs is exposed and discussed. How life on earth originated is described broadly as well as on the molecular level with a friendly explanation for the reader uneducated in the biological sciences. Whether discussing life in an Italian - American family, or evaluating current topics such as medical malpractice, health insurance companies, or government policy, he presents his opinions candidly and without apology. His experience with sailing as a two time World Champion in the International Twelve Metre Class culminating from an accidental exposure to the sport is described as well as the history and tactics of the world's great ocean races and world cups. His experience and history in the sport of rowing is discussed including competing at the Royal Henley Regatta in the UK reaching the semi finals at age 65.

Both a celebration and a cautionary tale from a contemporary healer.