Take a Deep Breath

About the Book

Take A Deep Breath presents real stories from an Upstate New York doctor: how he succeeds after he leaves the farm and proceeds through professional training. The uncertainty from being a student is erased as he matures professionally during Residency—the doctor relates gritty descriptive accounts of the many people in need. Experience his acute clinical decisions—his own mother, critically ill, dying before his eyes as he advances a pacing-wire into her failing heart.

Understand why his practice was so remote, far from the ivy towers of academics. He tells of exceptional events—gripping tales of numerous people in extremis—which were routine moments of his Practice.

His words bring us near—compel us to smell the antiseptic, the acridity of burnt flesh as well as the pungency of fabric after a fire. Through his prose, one can taste the drama of resuscitation, the salty tears of failure, and the sweetness of success.

From an ER to a lakeside drowning, from acute illness to crushing auto injuries, descriptions are up close and personal. All take us on a serious medical ride.

David E. Burns MD

About the Author

Care for the sick and injured placed me first-hand into the extremes of human emotions, both the highs and the lows. On numerous occasions, I had thought of writing about these extreme moments—accounts too emotional not to be told. Later, my own illness added to that past enormity. These writings are my attempt to share those momentous events—sometimes sad, other times filled with over-whelming joy.

I was the fourth generation on our dairy farm, and I was expected to work the lands of my father's father, a place where they had worked and died. However, within a few years, I began to dream of becoming a doctor—a few thought that this idea was only a pipedream; after all, I had no college experience. Over time, this dream became a committed goal. I'm sure that my farm experiences, and my attitude towards working alone, influenced my approach to medicine and is reflected in stories such as: “Susie,” “Lend Me Your Ear,” and others.

My writings reflect the love for my found Profession and the tremendous efforts given towards patient care. There is no greater calling than medicine. During the transition from farming into acute care, I marveled at the wonderment of events that unfolded in my presence. Through my writing, one can learn through these sad as well as joyful events.

I graduated from Albany Medical College '72, completed Residency in Albany and in Bowman Gray University Hospital (North Carolina Baptist Hospital) in Winston-Salem, NC. I had been Chief of Medicine of the Little Falls Hospital and Director of Critical Care as well as Past-President of the Herkimer County Medical Society. I practiced Medicine until a heart attack forced my retirement.

Since then, I have gained regional recognition with my art in watercolors and further with my three-dimensional work (the carving) of shore birds. A few years ago my wife, Marcie, had me sign-up for a local writing course knowing I had so many medical experiences that needed to be told. This manuscript is the result.

David E. Burns MD