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Nigerian Heart Doctor Writes from the Heart
Dr. Fidelis Mpkaru has a successful cardiology practice in Alliance Ohio where he strives to be a “model of excellence” and commit fully to his patients' care.
“From the time I was a young boy, in whatever I did, I wanted to be the best possible. That has always been my approach to life”, he writes on Paragon Heart Group's website and that quest is, perhaps, what has driven the cardiovascular disease specialist to another aspect of life still related to matters of the heart. He has written a book, Love's Affliction, just released in March and slated for public launch on April 11.
Love's Affliction is about culture conflicts, romantic love, barriers, and impact of the dreams of youth and racial biases on our foundations. It chronicles society's perception of interracial dating and the attendant challenges imposed on the participants by political, social and economic realities of their environment.
Dr. Mkparu writes of his own experiences saying:
“Twenty years ago, I had my first experience of mentoring a young Nigerian immigrant to the US, and it changed my life tremendously. I tried my best to guide the young man in making the right choices. The choices were from my own experiences, and the emphasis was on his academic achievement. I made a major mistake because of my “demand” for academic excellence from him. Later, I realized that not everyone desires academic honors. I learnt from that mistake and even mentored more college students. There were many success stories to share, and several disappointments but in my discussions with some of the students I mentored, I heard one recurring phrase, “you don't understand what I'm going through.”
These interactions, coupled with Dr. Mkparu's personal experiences as a college student, led to an adventure into fictional narrative as a model for conveying his message to the youth.
“Three years ago, I decided to write a book dealing with college life in the USA from 1977-1980. I sincerely believe that college life has not changed much over the past four decades. I chose ‘literary fiction' as a format to narrate some of the relevant stories that young immigrants, and even young adults born in the USA, would appreciate. The main theme of ‘Love's Affliction' is perseverance. The quest to survive and succeed against all odds. Are those not what we want for our children? We want them to overcome hardships and distractions,” he concludes.
Love's Affliction listed on Amazon.com at $22.54 ($9.99 for Kindle), has been described by the Detroit Daytime Talkshow Examiner as “a poignant and emotional story of young love as it transforms from friendship to forbidden love, despite the cultural and racial barriers dictated by society.”
Dr. Mpkaru is a Harvard Medical School Fellow of Cardiovascular Diseases. He also attended Indiana University and the University of Connecticut.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1941861008