Doctor Sahib

DOCTOR SAHIB is a collection of true stories about an American surgeon's experiences as a medical missionary in little-known Assam, India, in the 1960s. The book describes the author's adaptation to Indian culture and the challenges of practicing medicine in unpredictable circumstances. The slow but transforming process of becoming less an outsider in a foreign country is illustrated in stories about unique eating experiences, the realism of death, the threat of war, a rabies scare, and in the ability to develop meaningful friendships among people within the diverse cultures of NE India. The family's farewell to Assam reveals the extent to which they came to appreciate India as their home. Dr. Norton graduated from Colgate University and the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University. His surgical training took place in Cincinnati, Denver, and Lexington and Louisville, KY. After becoming certified by The American Board of Surgeons in 1964, he took his wife and three young daughters to Northeast India for a five- year term as a medical missionary. Upon returning to the US, he entered academic surgery becoming a Professor of Surgery at the University of Arizona, and, later, at the University of Colorado. Since retiring, Dr. Norton has travelled extensively in developing countries as a Visiting Professor in medical schools, a lecturer in medical conferences, and a volunteer surgeon in mission hospitals. His wife, Ann, accompanies him on these trips. The couple resides in Colorado where they enjoy their eight grandchildren, sailing, mountain sports and travel.