How to Smuggle Children and Other Confessions of a Country Doctor - Paperback

Three Generations of Country Doctors in Nova Scotia

How to Smuggle Children and Other Confessions of a Country Doctor tells the story of three generations of Nova Scotian physicians whose combined practices span the entire twentieth century. Dr. David L. Cogswell crafts an engaging and affectionate memoir that explores both the personal journey of becoming a country doctor and the evolution of rural medicine across a hundred years.

From Medical Student to Community Physician

Dr. Cogswell chronicles his path from adventurous school days growing up in a doctor's home to the challenges of medical school and ultimately establishing his own practice. In 1963, he opened a home office, following directly in the footsteps of his father and maternal grandfather. His diverse daily routine brought him into the heart of the community, where he became not only a familiar face but a respected medical professional.

A Century of Medical Practice

The narrative weaves together three distinct eras of medicine. His maternal grandfather began practicing at the turn of the century, traveling by horse and sleigh to reach patients across rural Nova Scotia. His father opened a home office in the 1930s, adapting to new medical technologies and changing social conditions. Each generation faced unique challenges while maintaining the core values of community medicine and compassionate care.

Family Legacy in Medicine

At the core of this memoir is the celebration of family as a guiding force. The book demonstrates how the influence of his grandfather and father shaped Dr. Cogswell's approach to medicine and life. Their formidable presence provided both inspiration and practical wisdom as he navigated his own medical career. The strength and consistency of this family legacy remained constant even as society and medical practice underwent dramatic transformations throughout the twentieth century.

Clear-Eyed Prose and Honest Reflection

Written with clear-eyed prose, this memoir offers honest reflections on the trials and triumphs of medical practice. Dr. Cogswell shares the realities of country doctoring—the long hours, the intimate knowledge of patients and their families, and the unique challenges of providing healthcare in rural communities. The stories range from the humorous to the profound, painting a complete picture of life as a community physician. An engaging and affectionate memoir, How to Smuggle Children and Other Confessions of a Country Doctor tells of three generations of Nova Scotian country doctors, whose combined practices span the twentieth century. With clear-eyed prose, Dr. Cogswell explores the making of a country doctor, moving from memories of his adventurous school days, growing up in a doctor's home, to the trials and triumphs of med school. Running parallel to his own memories of becoming a physician are the stories of his maternal grandfather-who began practicing at the turn of the century, traveling by horse and sleigh-and his father, who opened a home office in the 30s. Under their formidable influence, David opened his own home office in 1963. His diverse daily routine brought him into the heart of the community, where he, his father, and grandfather were not only familiar faces but respected medical professionals.

At the core of this book is a celebration of the guiding force of family, which remained strong and consistent over one hundred years as history brought about many changes in society and medicine.