Author: Dr. Harry J. Saranchak, M.D.
Publisher: Xlibris
ISBN: 978-1-4415-4233-5

Click Here To Purchase Betrayals of Hippocrates


Today, Norm Goldman Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures.com is honored to have as our guest Dr. Harry J. Saranchak's author of Betrayals of Hippocrates: Crimes Against Innocence . Dr. Saranchak is a graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. For thirty years, he was a vascular and general surgeon in three Connecticut hospitals, and for twenty-five of those years he was also an educator and mentor to medical students, residents and colleagues-while receiving eight Golden Scalpel awards for teaching excellence
Good day Dr. Saranchak and thanks for participating in our interview

Norm:

When and why did you decide you wanted to become a surgeon?

Dr. Saranchak: 

As a young boy, I noticed that Dr. Harvey at the Griffin Hospital had the ability to make sick people feel better, and in some cases save their lives.
When I was old enough, I became an orderly at that hospital and had the opportunity to work by side community physicians and surgeons. I answered my calling.

Norm:

What motivated you to write Betrayals of Hippocrates: Crimes Against Innocence?

Dr. Saranchak:  

Being a doctor takes a lot of detective work and to develop the intuitive hands that an experienced surgeon earns would make Hippocrates proud.
When innocent people suffer from a disease that robs them of their birthright to live the life intended, research holds the potential for a cure. How those experiments are conducted however is the basis of the novel. How much is one life worth?

Norm:

Are experiences in your story based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Dr. Saranchak:  

I know about humanity, and I know about suffering. I chose Haiti because I feel that when people of authority due to prestige, money or  power,
see opportunity  for  personal gain, and are not accountable for their actions, vulnerable people are put in harms way. Sick people are vulnerable people.

Norm:

I believe Betrayals of Hippocrates is your first work of fiction.  Did you enjoy the process?  How was it different from your writing of non-fiction? What was the most difficult part of writing your book? As a follow up, did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Dr. Saranchak:  

Thank-you for asking. I enjoyed delving into my experiences and choosing the memories and events that metaphorically speak to the soul of
Archetypes, roles we play son, God, Goddess, devil searcher, redeemer, catalyst, victim. People need to be much more pro active  in developing :

Personal Healthcare Plans. There are risk factors for every disease. At some point the immune system is not going to be able to handle the bodies issues and will     start to break down.  The organ  ized   system may not be able to rescue the patient. Oh  maybe  60 % of  conditions can be prevented or at least lessened in severity. Even at 40 % we have a shot at personal empowerment of all bodily functions. I like the team approach to wellness. Do what you can with the knowledge you have about your genetics, nutrition, stress etc. and use the healthcare system as advisors and technicians. I enjoy teaching patients as well as physicians,  and adding to their self education.

Norm:

It is said that writers should write what they know. You clearly know about medicine. Were there any elements of the book that forced you to step out of your comfort zone, and if so, how did you approach this part of the writing?

Dr, Saranchak:    

I have to say that I never disseminated detective work before. I really enjoyed learning about Voodoo and the power of suggestion. As a magician, I attended many Magic Conventions. I learned slight of hand and misdirection .I only performed for small groups and for charities. As a learner,  I look back at medicine and I am in awe of my greatest teachers, the patients who sought out my care. That trust is so sacred that Dr. Livingstone’s’ actions  has become my way of alerting  readers to potential ulterior motives for research.

Norm:

How did you approach writing the character of Alston Crowley? Did you plan him out or did he evolve as you wrote the book?

Dr. Saranchak: 

Alston is just about every male or female medical student. In my opinion, and we can let the readers decide, the heart of a doctor is to serve the patient and assist in the healing process. The hours are long, the stressors are high, the dedication is noteworthy. Alston however, allowed his calling to grow him from the inside out.

Norm:

It would seem, after I read your novella, that it has a broader mission than simply entertaining or storytelling. Could you talk more about this and in particular medical ethics?

Dr. Saranchak:  

There is a possibility for corruption in any establishment. The medical field however is very unique in that who do you save, and what or who do you sacrifice in order to save humanity. I chose the most precious forms of life, children, humanities future, as victims for the novel, to bring people into the controversy of medical ethics.

Norm:

Where can our readers find out more about you and of Betrayals of Hippocrates: Crimes Against Innocence?

Dr. Saranchak:

Amazon.com , Borders.com and Xlibris .com are easy  online stores where the book can be purchased.

 Norm:

What is next for Dr. Saranchak?

Dr. Saranchak:  

I am in the process of writing a novel involving a magician. Part of the story line is at the magic Castle in L.A.

Norm:

Is there anything else you wish to add that we have not covered? 

Dr, Saranchak:  

Readers may enjoy the detective process in relation to their own health and well being. It is important to reduce as many disease causing risk factors as possible and  do what they can to get early detection through early testing. Maintain a healthy suspicion of those in power, so they never have the opportunity to have power over your vulnerabilities.

Thanks once again and good luck with all of your future endeavors.

Click Here To Read Norm's Review of  Betrayals of Hippocrates: Crimes Against Innocence

 Click Here To Purchase Betrayals of Hippocrates