Exceptional: The Autobiography of Fletcher Johnson, MD, Heart Surgeon, NCAA Star, NBA Pro, and Civil Rights Warrior

by Fletcher Johnson, Thomas Trzyna (Editor)

It didn't matter that Fletcher Johnson starred in the NCAA, played in the NBA, and pioneered American participation in European basketball. It didn't matter that he qualified as a cardio-thoracic and general surgeon in the United States, at that time one of only four African Americans to work as heart surgeons. Or that he earned pharmacy and medical degrees in Italy and Switzerland, mastering Italian and French to complete his studies. In the eyes of his white competitors in the United States, he was still just a black man who could be run out of medical practice when he began to build a medical mall and day surgery facility in New York. Fletcher's upbringing in a New Jersey factory town, his struggles to reach the top of sports and medicine, and his continuing faith in America, in spite of everything against him, make his autobiography compelling reading and a significant contribution to medical and sports history.

195 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 19, 2020

Reviews

[Ronald Presta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having grown up in Rockland, I grew up with the Johnson boys. Growing up, we all knew “of” Dr. Johnson, but I’m not sure many knew his story. This book provided insight into a great man who grew up in Bergen County and went off to Europe to gain a degree in medicine. It’s highlights race relations of the times along with the American dream. Dr. Johnson was an example of the American Dream and should be a role model for anyone looking to better their circumstances. I am glad that this book was shared with me and think this should be required reading at Nyack HS.

[Denise Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great man, and an outstanding biography showing the struggles of an exeptional black man as he traversed his pursuit of a medical degree against many odds and challenges.