Was a physician, epidemiologist, and biostatistician, having received his M.D. from Indiana University Medical School and his Ph.D, from Puirdue University and the University of Texas. He has published 16 books including five novels. He has also studied political science, especially the vice president to president transitions in U.S. history. He served as a volunteer physician during the Hurricane Katrina calamity and his memories of that experience led to his prize winning book, Caring for Katrina Survivors..