2 days ago
Dedicated ENT doctor writes about his journey and life lessons in new book
For years, Robert E. Pickard has worked as a steadfast doctor helping people hear. He has helped so many in other ways, as well.
His ear, nose and throat medical practice was a staple doctor's office in South Miami for over 50 years, and he still serves as a hearing consultant.
Dr. Pickard helped my family through correct diagnosis and treatment, as well as calming reassurance, for three generations.
Now, he has written about his life of service in 'My Lessons Learned, by Robert E. Pickard, MD, Colonel, Artist, My Life and Times.'
'This book tells a story of how I learned my lessons throughout my life. Dating back to when I was a child during World War II and continuing as I grow and go through life's journey,' Pickard said.
'Many lessons I've learned along the way while observing and living through major world events, and personal triumphs and tragedies.'
Pickard, 84, lived as a soldier during Vietnam, as a medical ENT physician, and as an artist.
His incredibly detailed lithographic art, often of the surgical theater, greeted everyone who stepped through his office doors. He said he continues to create through painting, sketching, etching, acrylic on canvas, sculptures and lithographic prints.
'I have lived my life as a life of service, for example creating the Hearing Research Institute, a 501c3 non-profit organization, which helps pay for hearing aids and listening devices for children and people of all ages,' Pickard said.
He also authored the state bill that mandates that all newborn babies have their hearing tested immediately after birth prior to leaving the hospital. This ensures that no child is misdiagnosed and enables early intervention should a hearing issue exist, he said.
I started writing about Dr. Pickard's work in this column almost every December when he and his family and friends donated toys and games to hospitalized children during the holidays. They spread cheer at Jackson Memorial Hospital and Miami Children's Hospital, now Nicklaus Children's Hospital.
'I have had the fortune of having a beautiful family and raising four amazing daughters. I have met many friends along the way and wanted to share some of my life stories in my autobiography,' he said.
'My very candid depiction of my life and its lessons will show readers how I developed my wit and wisdom. Some lessons were learned as a child, some decades later as an adult. I navigate my lessons through this story, as I take you on the adventure called 'my life.''
And what a life it is.
Pickard's stories of highs and lows, his lifelong relationships and personal accounts of helping others are inspiring.
'My hope is that as you read this book you learn from lessons I've learned, because the biggest lesson of all is that we never really stop learning.'
You can read more about his life and 'My Lessons Learned, by Robert E. Pickard, MD, Colonel, Artist, My Life and Times' at The book and audiobook can be purchased on the link.
Write to ChristinaMMayo@ with news for this column.
