Reflections of 'Nephron Man' : A Road Map for Revitalizing the Medical Profession

Demetrius Ellis is an accomplished and well-respected university-based pediatric kidney specialist. During a career spanning over forty-five years, he has witnessed and also contributed to pioneering advances in science and technology that led to improved disease outcomes. In this autobiography, he reflects on his decision to pursue an academic medical career and shares anecdotes that reflect a lifetime of enriching experiences as a caregiver, educator and researcher. Both health care providers and recipients will readily identify with the characters in these stories and also be intrigued by the author's disclosures concerning his academic career. More importantly, through unique experiences and enduring relationships Dr. Ellis had with his patients, a set of life lessons is revealed. By adopting these tenets, it is his hope that healthcare professionals facing today's challenging medical landscape can be inspired to refocus on getting to know the individual and not just his/her disease. In doing so they will become more efficacious healers and, in the process, rediscover the joy and fulfillment that is at the core of this noble profession. All proceeds to benefit disadvantaged and refugee youth at his birthplace, Lesvos, Greece.