John P. Woods, Ph.D.What's special about this picture? Well, it represents one of life's small but significant triumphs. Read on....
This month's feature comes to us from Sam Pieper, Jr., M.D (left)., who wrote us a letter about his dear father Dr. John P. Woods.
Dr Woods, although not a war veteran, made a significant contribution during W.W.II. He was part of the group at Massachusetts Institute of Technology which developed radar during W.W.II and was also instrumental in developing sonar. As a geophysicist, he helped discover and develop oil fields all over the world. Dr. Woods had been hospitalized for 10 weeks in February 1997 for a serious brain injury. His son had promised that upon recovery they would go fishing. What follows is the result of a triumphant recovery and a kept promise...
Dr. Woods suffered head trauma resulting in a subdural hematoma. The neurosurgeon was able to remove the subdural hematoma, but as often happens in elderly people a cortical infarction in the region of the subdural complicated his post-operative course. Following all of this he had status epilepticus (persistent seizures) for several days. Hospitalization and rehabilitation required weeks of slow but steady progress toward recovery. His son was an important part of this whole process.
The tangible goal of a fishing trip, which Dr. Woods so dearly loved was an important stimulus to persevere during those difficult days. Another story with a happy ending. Thanks for your letter Dr. Pieper! Here's hoping you and your father catch many more fish. Congratulation to both of you! |
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