by Len Lear

It is no secret that medicine is a very demanding profession, definitely a full-time job with total commitment — almost 24/7 as a medical student, intern and resident, certain specialties being on call around the clock, keeping up with all of the latest studies reported in medical journals, etc. It is no wonder you may have to spend lots of time in a doctor’s office waiting room.

How, then, would a medical doctor find the time to write a book, travel widely to lecture and deal intensely with social and humanitarian issues, etc., not to mention be a father to five children?

“I gave up the opportunity to practice clinical medicine so that I could focus my life and work on pursuing justice- based public policy, advocacy and design of large scale programs/initiatives that have a population wide impact,” replied Dr. Paul Zeitz, 56, who will be discussing his new book, “Waging Justice: A Doctor's Journey to Speak Truth and Be Bold,” released by Balboa Press in September, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m., in the University Commons Great Room at Arcadia University in Glenside. (Dr. Zeitz also spoke Oct. 6 at P’nai Or Philadelphia in the Summit Presbyterian Church in West Mt. Airy.)

A graduate of Abington High School, Muhlenberg College in Allentown (class of 1984) and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (class of 1988), Dr. Zeitz chose epidemiology as a specialty “because I was fascinated with assessing health risks of populations.

“My focus has been the control of infectious diseases in resource poor countries, such as vaccine-preventable diseases, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

“Through that work I came to understand that social, economic, gender and racial injustice must be addressed as they are the main determinants/ root cause of disease.”

However, after practicing medicine for almost three decades, Dr. Zeitz was motivated to write “Waging Justice” for four main reasons:

“Self-healing and personal growth: I’ve learned and am still learning a lot about myself through the art of storytelling. Experts are calling this ‘narrative medicine.’

“Opportunity with my five sons: I’ve gone to many funerals where I learn more about the person at the time of their death than I knew about them while they were alive. I think that is wrong. As the father of five sons, I felt like it was my responsibility and an opportunity to share with them my version of my story so they would have more insight into me and their upbringing.

“Inspire others: I hope to inspire others to find ways to wage justice in their lives in ways that work for you. My main target audiences are millennials, globalists, spiritual and religious people and memoir lovers!

“Build the Movement: I believe that we have the opportunity to work together in new and different ways, to challenge the status quo, to bridge the divides and find solutions to local and global crises and challenges.”

Dr. Zeitz began writing “Waging Justice” in June of 2016, and the book was released on September 1, of this year. In the book the author shares his inner journey of overcoming self-doubt and shame, including revelations in his late 40s that he is a survivor of paternal incest.

“Besides writing ‘Waging Justice,’” he said, “the hardest thing that I've done is when I made a commitment to forgiveness, peace and reconciliation with my father when my memories of the sexual assault became crystal clear.”

If you check the reviews of “Waging Justice” online, you will find unanimous raves. “I am very happy that my book has touched others,” said Dr. Zeitz, “and inspired them to reflect on their own lives and to seek ways where they can ‘Wage Justice’ on themselves, on their relationships or in our world. One female reader said to me, ‘Your vulnerability in the book allowed me to be more vulnerable with myself.’

“I hope that by sharing my journey of waging justice that others will be inspired to make a commitment to justice and finds ways to speak truth, be bold and serve justice for all. Waging justice is a way of living in the world. It starts with a willingness to experiment and explore ways in which you can wage justice in one's own life.”

If he could wave a magic wand, what would Dr. Zeitz change about the U.S. right now? “I think we need a rapid and revolutionary transformation of our political system. I believe that we can create a bold and revolutionary patriotic movement to salvage our country and once again make it ‘by the people, for the people,’ rooted in the realization of rights for all. Together, we can mobilize collective action to achieve climate smart sustainable development!”

For more about “Waging Justice”: www.facebook.com/DrPaulZeitz or balboapress.com For more about Dr. Zeitz’ talk: www.arcadia.edu You can reach Len Lear at lenlear@chestnuthilllocal.com