Medical Epicenter

This collection of short stories is dedicated to all the foreign physicians who immigrated to the USA, in search of the American Dream. Many have chosen to run away from the socialized medicine, prevalent in their country of birth. Others came to join in the enormous medical progress, which made Houston, Texas a much desired destination. The powerful magnet created by the advancements in cardiovascular surgery, neurology and cancer research attracted thousands of foreign medical professionals to Texas Medical Center. They have all arrived filled with hope and enthusiasm in the American healthcare environment, unmatched by any other country in the world. The vast majority of their solo practices soon became very successful, as a result of the prevailing free enterprise and patients’ freedom of choice. While the rest of the western world went through a process of government controlled healthcare, USA has kept its medical market free of any state control. At the core of this trend was none other than the famous Medical Epicenter, the nickname given to the huge urban cluster of private hospitals and clinics. Through the financial support from wealthy donors and large charitable foundations, it became a much-desired destination for millions of patients from around the world. Among the annual visitors were foreign dignitaries, showbiz celebrities, royalties and the super wealthy. In the end, they all have found a cure for their illnesses. Meanwhile, a few moments of truth make the six short stories a touch of Texas reality.