The Celestial Society: A Life in Medicine

An important figure in mid-Twentieth Century medicine and cardiology, brilliant, dynamic George Burch was outstanding on every front — pioneering researcher in multiple aspects of the body’s workings, an inspiring educator, editor and prolific writer, and electrifying lecturer. His patients loved him for his gentleness, common sense approach and tireless advocacy on their behalf. Immersed in medicine from childhood as he assisted his father, a physician in rural Louisiana, he was influential worldwide by a surprisingly young age. Possessed of a healthy sense of humor, he was nevertheless deeply serious of purpose. He was an independent thinker, outspoken and unfazed by mainstream opinion. Increasingly controversial, he became a hero to some, but to others an outdated fossil. The life story of this remarkable man resonates vividly in today’s environment of confusion and inordinate expense in medical care.