A Diffident Doctor is a fascinating look into one American doctor’s life spanning from his early childhood in Illinois in the 1930s to his retirement days in Nevada after 1998. Dr. Moffet’s personal story presents an intimate snapshot of history culture politics and major events of that time. Diligently taking brief notes throughout life Moffet’s stark presentation of American medical practice over the past 50-plus years reveals just how much diagnostic methods and medications—as well as the diseases themselves— have changed. His awareness of the ever-growing politics as it interlaced with medical practice is honest and unbiased offering a neutral perspective on an extremely controversial topic.

From his journey beginning in a small town to a Harvard College scholarship and then medical school at Yale to his studies in infectious diseases and practice in pediatrics in Wisconsin Moffet’s life—complete with the ups and downs—is a testament to the persevering American spirit.

Dr. Hugh Moffet was a professor of pediatrics for twenty-eight years at the University of Wisconsin where he taught students and doctors about infectious diseases and consulted on patients throughout the state. He has written two medical textbooks. He is retired and lives with his wife in Nevada.