MEMOIRS OF A MEDICO

Dr. Alonso met Conrad Hilton when he gave him a vitamin shot, which later led to his appointment as house doctor at the Castellana Hilton in Madrid. Fortunately, the dramatic content of both his life- and medication- is at a somewhat higher level as his reminiscence continues. Born in Spain, Dr. Alonso was educated both in Glasgow and Liverpool, and his book is perhaps most interesting in its emphasis on the years he spent as a front line surgeon serving on the Communist side during the Civil War, doctoring and assisting in escapes, finally making his own back to England where he went into action again briefly against the Germans. After the war he returned to Madrid, and the last third of his book is a mixed caseload from his consultation room, from the vagaries of itinerant patients at the Castellana Hilton, celebrities, bullfighters, etc. to his more serious cancer victims. Dr. Alonso writes with open sentiment and sincerity rather than distinction.