One Curious Doctor

Hilton Koppe reflects on his life journey, and some of life's most challenging questions, with great clarity, affection, intimacy, and uncompromising honesty. His stories envelope and engage the reader. He takes you into his confidence, allows you into his life, the life of his ancestors, and into the consulting rooms of a country doctor's practice. Hilton's self-reflection and hard-earned wisdom are a gift. Light the fire, settle back in a comfortable chair, and allow yourself to be enchanted. Arnold Zable, author of Café Scheherazade What happens when a physician can't simply heal himself? Does he still get to call himself 'doctor' when he no longer sees patients? What is his place in the world? In Hilton Koppe's case, he writes an honest, vulnerable, gorgeous memoir inviting the reader into his journey from illness to health, from his family's origins fleeing Lithuania and Germany during World War II to becoming a country doctor in Australia (via South Africa). Though he no longer works in a clinic, Hilton continues to heal with his words. One Curious Doctor is a medical memoir with heart. Kim Suhr, author of Nothing to Lose and director of Red Oak Writing One Curious Doctor offers the reader an exceptional experience of honesty, vulnerability, insight and transformation. Hilton Koppe, doctor turned patient turned writer, takes us on his momentous journey of a life awakened by the practice of medicine--and the necessity of giving it up. Hilton has listened deeply to the human heart--his patients' and his own. I highly recommend his beautifully crafted memoir. Kelly DuMar, author of girl in tree bark One Curious Doctor exposes the reader to the depth and complexities of compassion in healing. It provides insights for patients who are curious about the inner world of their doctors. It is a healing balm for health professionals and anyone impacted by the intergenerational effects of trauma. It gives an ancestral dimension to who we are as humans and who we are as healers. One Curious Doctor has universal messages about who we are as compassionate human beings. Dr Frank Meumann, GP and Medical Educator In One Curious Doctor, Hilton Koppe writes from the heart about his life and life-changing experiences - the meaning of it all, the joy, the mortality. Take a large dose of Hilton's warmth, compassion and humour as he explores his own dark times and digs deep to try to understand his place in the world. Repeat when necessary. Mike Hely, writer One Curious Doctor gives unprecedented access to the mind of a medical professional as they decide to be kind, no matter the circumstance. You see Hilton Koppe's struggles with the emotional burdens of his work, life, and family history. Then you see him choose, time and time again, to deeply consider the meaning and impact of his words and actions as a doctor. One Curious Doctor is about his seeking to be kind and empathetic. Hilton chooses to meet his challenges with the pen, firing words and phrases at his doubts until clarity, acceptance, and peace win through. It is a powerful lesson for all of us in how to accept our emotions. And a wise reflection on how creativity, in whatever form, can bring us closer together. Professor Catherine Crock AM, Physician The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne; Founder Hush Foundation and Gathering of Kindness