On Call in the Arctic

A Doctor's Pursuit of Life, Love, and Miracles in the Alaskan Frontier

By: Thomas J. Sims

Narrated by: Sean Pratt

Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

Imagine a young doctor, trained in the latest medical knowledge and state-of-the-art equipment, suddenly transported back to one of the world’s most isolated and unforgiving environments - Nome, Alaska. That’s what happen to Dr. Sims. His plans to become a pediatric surgeon were drastically changed when, on the eve of being drafted into the army to serve as a MASH surgeon in Vietnam, he was offered a commission in the US Public Health for assignment in Anchorage, Alaska, where he was scheduled to act as chief of pediatrics at the Alaska Native Medical Center.

But life changed along with his military orders when he learned he was being transferred from Anchorage to work as the only physician in Nome. There, he had the awesome responsibility of rendering medical care under archaic conditions to the population of this frontier town plus 13 Eskimo villages in the surrounding Norton Sound area. And he did it alone, with little help and support. All the while, he was pegged as both an “outsider” and an employee of the much-derided federal government.

In order to do his job, Dr. Sims had to overcome racism, cultural prejudices, and hostility from those who would have liked to see him sent packing. On Call in the Arctic reveals the thrills and the terrors of frontier medicine, showing how Dr. Sims had to rely upon his instincts, improvise, and persevere against all odds in order to help his patients on the icy shores of the Bering Sea.

©2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC (P)2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Fantastic!

My husband and I have trouble finding a book we can both agree on. There was no doubt that this one checked all the boxes and we both loved it.

Better than I expected!

I’m not sure why this book caught my eye, most likely good reviews and a true story.
But, I’m glad it did. My kind of guy and he kept his head and made it happen by learning, listening, and persevering.

Wow. Just Wow.

To say I loved this book is an understatement. The book was amazing. It was a a gripping page turner, one I never wanted to stop listening to. I felt such a deep endearing love & kinship w/ the author though we never met through his stories and I feel like I know him & the great people of Nome, that I wouldn’t otherwise have gotten to know. The narration was pure perfection. Like a beautiful symphony that hit every note perfectly. Probably the best narration I’ve ever heard on Audible and I’ve listened to a lot of books. Definitely get this book today. You won’t regret it.

A Memoir

I have never particularly liked memoirs and haven’t read one since Highschool, 50 years ago. BUT! Something dragged me to read this one and loved every word. I have always been drawn to people surviving against all odds, and this one is one of the best. The narrator also did an amazing job. Thank you Dr. Sims, for sharing your experiences, I felt like I was there with you!❤️

Fantastic Story!

This was a remarkable story of a young doctor who made a life-changing decision at the beginning of his career. He learned some incredible lessons about both life and the practice of medicine. The book was great from start to finish.

Loved every word

So enjoyed this story! Can’t believe some of the experiences the Doctor had. Bush medicine cannot be easy. He achieved so much. Love it! Narration was superb.

Wonderful Story!

I really enjoyed listening to this story. The memories of his time in Alaska are simply wonderful. The narrator does a fantastic job. I highly recommend this audiobook.

Great Story, Great Narrator

Loved this book! I've been trying to get into audiobooks but often they don't keep my attention. This narrator was amazing though, and I couldn't stop listening! Great story of medicine and life in the Arctic in the early 70s.

Nothing compares to real life

I love to hear about doctor's insights and experiences and this one was great. The only thing that detracted from the enjoyment of this book was the excessive cussing. Really? Does everyone curse this much? If I'd known beforehand, I wouldn't have listened to it because it's like a beautiful day hiking thru beautiful landscapes but stepping in cow poop every few feet. Otherwise, it was great but would've and could've been better.

Nome, Alaska medicine in 1972

Interesting, worth a listen. Medicine practiced on a shoestring in a remote Eskimo town. Wish he said what happened to the dog he tried to save. Lots of conflicts with administrators and others, bits of whining, so not all medical.