Hero Interview from An Open Heart by Harry Kraus, M.D.

This week I’m hosting  Eileen Rife with Laughing with Lily (U.S. only for drawing), Dan Walsh (and Gary Smalley) with The Dance (U.S. only), and Harry Kraus with An Open Heart (Canada and U.S. only) . If you want to enter the drawings for the books, please leave a comment on one of the post during the week with your email address. I will not enter you without an email address (my way to contact you if you win). If you don’t want to leave an email address, another way you can enter is to email me at margaretdaley@gmail.com. The drawings end Sunday (June 2nd) evening.

Hero Interview from An Open Heart by Harry Kraus, M.D.:

1. Tell me the most interesting thing about you.

My name is Jace Rawlings. I’m a cardiothoracic (heart) surgeon. I grew up in Africa.

2.  What do you do for fun?

Honestly, you don’t get to be where I am if you play too much. So mostly I work. But I like it. Operating on the heart is a rush like nothing you’ve ever experienced.

3.  What do you put off doing because you dread it?

I don’t like to do touchy-feely, so I avoid talking to my wife about “us.”

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

I operated on the Governor of Virginia and it made me a bit of a celebrity. But then, I was seen out with the Governor’s wife. I was accused of having an affair with her. The night I was with her, I was struck by a car and I have amnesia for most of that night. But I was seen at a motel with her. I hate to think that I was unfaithful to my wife, but I’m afraid of finding out the truth.

5.  What do you want out of life?

I’d like to think that I make a difference in the lives of my patients.

6.  What is the most important thing to you?

My work. What else is there?

7.  Do you read books?

If so, what is your favorite type of book? I read surgical journals. I don’t have time for much recreational reading.

8.  If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I wish I could have faith like my twin sister. She died when I was a senior in high school. I blame myself. If I could change anything, I’d stop feeling guilty.

9.  Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?

My wife is a professional dog-walker. I don’t see a need for any pets to tie me down. She brings too many dogs to our place as it is.

10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?

I’d like to travel to the civil war and interact with the surgeons on the battlefield.