Life has a way of sending curveballs, but few can rival the one thrown at Dr. Thomas Sims in 1971. Just as he was about to begin his pediatric surgical residency, Sims got the kind of letter that could derail even the best-laid plans: a draft notice for Vietnam. Instead of stitching wounds in a battlefield M.A.S.H. unit, Sims was offered a different type of war zone—Nome, Alaska. With his very pregnant wife, young daughter, and a van full of pets, he traded the temperate halls of California hospitals for the bone-chilling barrens of the Alaskan bush.
The result? A memoir that reads like a masterclass in improvisation, adaptability, and finding humor amid chaos.
A Crash Course in Survival (Medical and Otherwise)
Imagine being trained in the best medical facilities only to land in Nome’s makeshift hospital, which could barely keep its lights on (literally—flashlights often substituted for surgical lamps). Sims wasn’t just the Chief of Pediatrics; he was the only doctor, responsible for the lives of over 3,000 people spread across Nome and 13 remote Eskimo villages. His medical toolbox? Creativity, intuition, and the occasional snowmachine.
From delivering babies under Coleman lanterns to life-or-death surgeries in blizzards, the anecdotes here aren’t just captivating—they’re a reminder of what humans can achieve under impossible conditions. “Experience turns into instinct,” Sims observes, a line that becomes the backbone of his story.
Take, for instance, his harrowing trek to save a patient in a distant village. After performing a lifesaving procedure, a storm trapped him there for nine days. That was his introduction to the Arctic’s icy stubbornness: nature is boss, and you’re just a visitor.
Buckets, Bureaucracy, and Belly Laughs
Nome wasn’t just cold; it was comically challenging. Government-issued housing? Temporary. Personal belongings? Stuck in transit for months. Toilets? Let’s just say “honey buckets” aren’t as sweet as they sound. Even the locals were suspicious, thanks to scandals from the previous doctor’s tenure.
Yet, through it all, Sims’ wit and warmth shine. His wife, Pat, emerges as the unsung hero, juggling two kids, isolation, and a husband who was always on call. Her ability to improvise—whether managing household disasters or adapting to Eskimo culture—proves that behind every great doctor is a partner keeping the home fires burning (and the honey bucket empty).
Culture Shock and Connection
Sims dives headfirst into the cultural divide between the Indigenous Eskimos and the “outsiders.” His recounting of traditional practices, local skepticism, and eventual friendships reveals the deep humanity that connects us all, even in the harshest conditions. The Fourth of July parade, where villagers and outsiders came together, is a poignant reminder of how small gestures can bridge big divides.
But not everyone welcomed Sims’ success. A rival government official, jealous of Sims’ growing reputation, turned bureaucratic wheels against him. The tension adds an unexpected layer of drama, proving that even in the Arctic, office politics thrive.
A Time Capsule with Timeless Lessons
Sims’ story is more than an adventure; it’s a reflection on change, resilience, and growth. From battling Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) during the endless Arctic winter to finding joy in the ice breakup on the Bering Sea, he learns to embrace unpredictability. His time in Nome transforms him, not just as a doctor but as a person.
In one of the book’s quieter moments, Sims ponders: “People don’t like change. But change is necessary, and often, it’s good.” It’s a sentiment that lingers long after the final page, challenging readers to face their own discomforts with courage.
Final Thoughts: A Prescription for Adventure
“On Call in the Arctic” is a brilliant cocktail of grit, humor, and heart. It’s equal parts medical drama, cultural exploration, and family saga, all wrapped in the stark beauty of Alaska. Whether you’re fascinated by the wild frontier, interested in unorthodox medicine, or just in need of a good laugh, Sims delivers.
This book is proof that even when life snatches away your plans, it might just hand you a snowmachine and a story worth telling. Read it for the adventure, stay for the inspiration, and brace yourself—because, as Dr. Sims demonstrates, there’s no anesthetic for life’s curveballs. But with enough instinct and a dash of ingenuity, you just might save the day.
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