The Wandering Jew of St. Salacious

by Ron Turker

What happens when you drop an agnostic Jewish surgeon in a century-old Catholic hospital, where the doctor meets dogma and falls for the CEO? A nun, for God’s sake.

Dr. Martin Fischer, a white-coated Quixote, tilts his scalpel at the bloated underbelly of U.S. healthcare and fights for his patients. His only weapons are surgical skill and a pesky sense of righteous indignation that’s driving everyone nuts—including Marty.

As he takes on a callous multi-billion-dollar medical corporation, a mercenary surgical group, and the thoroughly corrupt CFO of St. Salacious, an unplanned pregnancy threatens to excommunicate the entire hospital. Can they really do that? It’s either stress or God who intervenes. Did Jesus just wink at him from the cross?

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 29, 2023

About the author

Ron Turker started in the ’80s as a standup comic and medical student. Through a series of nonlinear events, he became a pediatric surgeon by day and an unrelenting writer by night.

Thirty years of caring for kids at home and worldwide (from the Navajo Nation to Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador, to Syrian refugees in Jordan, and most recently, kids in Ukraine) has shaped, sharpened, and ground his sensibilities into a relentless yet witty voice for healthcare change and equity here in the U.S.

You can find his writings in a wide range of journals, textbooks, and periodicals, from the Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics to Open Spaces, and the New York Times.

Reviews

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly recommend "The Wandering Jew of St. Salacious!"

On top of being a funny an entertaining read, it's a scathing take down of multiple parts of the U.S. healthcare system, a declaration of love and criticism of the human condition, and a societal critique. It's about courage, perseverance, and friendship; about finding joy and beauty in the little things, of personal struggle and mental health. Most of all, it's about the warmth to be found in community.

So yeah, I liked this one! The only things dragging it down from five stars was the clunky chronological transitions (in an otherwise very well-written book) and some "lusty" parts in the middle. While they served a couple of purposes, they were a little too male gaze-y and uncomfortable. They are worth reading through for the rest of this very enjoyable book, but also worth mentioning.

Finally, if you haven't already, please don't read the blurb of this one. If you did already, I recommend shelving the book for a bit until you forget it. Someone needs to start a petition for spoiler-free blurbs... :D

Enjoy!

[Jim Nicklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent novel by orthopaedic surgeon Ron Turker, who shines an insightful spotlight on the US medical system, institutional Catholicism and how fabulous the Irish are - all wrapped up in a rollicking, engaging story. It’s so well written I wonders how much of this is drawn from personal experience. I thoroughly recommend this book.

[Fiona Tetsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my. This book I couldn’t put down but then had to ration myself near the end because I didn’t want it to end. Turker’s word skills are amazing and I love all the lessons learnt. It’s clever and funny and deeply insightful.
Thanks Ron.

[Josie Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a book is so heartfelt, vivid, and inviting that it feels like home, and yet is so unique that it defies categorization, it’s pure magic. That’s the sweet-spot intersection of an irresistible, not-to-be-missed read, and The Wandering Jew of St. Salacious has accomplished exactly that status.

Main character Marty is an earnest, dazzlingly skilled, acerbically funny surgeon. He has a galloping case of righteous indignation in the face of corruption, a dogged insistence on doing the right thing, a sassy best friend, and a quiet acceptance of his divorcé status.

As the book begins, he’s blowing the whistle on a skeevy medical corporation’s dangerous product. The thanks he gets? A reputation as a troublemaker who won’t play ball, and an uncomfortable work environment designed to force him out. He’s not thrilled to leave a job at a hospital catering to the most in need, switching to a posh private hospital where the Almighty Dollar seems to have a status even higher than the Saints. But needs must.

Marty’s already chafing in his new role when life throws another curve-ball—he falls for the nun who is the hospital’s CEO. What else could go wrong? Plenty. I don’t want to spoil any of it—read the book, omg. There are mysteries, heartaches, and plot-twists galore, and I COULD. NOT. PUT. THIS. DOWN. It’s worth mentioning that I’m not a cryer in books or movies, and I cried three times! But yes, readers… there IS a happily-ever-after (one of the times I cried).

Written by an actual surgeon (and stand-up comic!), this book is packed with fascinating details like the most gripping TV medical drama, balancing that with heart and hilarity, as well as a complex and beautiful love story. These characters own a piece of my heart. Five massive stars!

[John Bradford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Ron Turker does a terrific job exposing the hypocrisy of institutions. While the book focuses on a Catholic hospital and the medical profession, its reach easily extends into other fabrics of society. Dr. Marty Fischer, an orthopedic surgeon, is forced out of his position at a university hospital and lands in a Catholic hospital. As an agnostic Jew, he is an institutional outlier. But then, so is everyone else in this story. The institutional ideals humans have set up for themselves are impossible to follow, and no one in this story is an exception. Dr. Fischer continues his quixotic 'quests' and runs into roadblock after roadblock as he practices medicine. There are unexpected twists along the way that culminated in a very satisfying ending. At times the book is annoying as Turker builds up to a series of climatic moments within the story, but he yanks us away three months later. His readers would be better served if he engaged his readers in the conflict rather than reflecting on it later. However, it is still an excellent, thought-provoking book whose condemnation of the medical profession is warranted. Dr. Turker is a former pediatrician of some 30 years, so he speaks with authority.

[Kathy Fry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wandering Jew of St. Salacious is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted novel developed with compelling characters, witty dialogue, captivating drama and thoughtful, relevant themes. Plus, it’s laugh-aloud funny! Turker takes his reader to a place he knows all too well, the front lines of healing and the inhumane bottom line of the medical money makers. It is in this place we meet Marty Fischer, a self-appointed knight armed with incredible surgical skill, his grandfather’s wisdom, and “Chronic Righteous Indignation” where he is fighting for the best interests of his patients. The reader gladly roots for Marty on his heroic and gripping journey through the “sacred” halls of St. Salacious Hospital as he fights to overcome the often ruthless medical system of today that places more emphasis on money than it does on healing. The best part is that Turker makes his points with excellent writing, humor and insight. I highly recommend The Wandering Jew of St. Salacious. You will enjoy this book!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

After mulling it over, I loved this book! Turker is certainly singing to the The Choir with me; regardless, his insight, humour and peppy dialogue is addictive. The story is pertinent and entertaining without being "scoldy". With our current political and medical climate, I believe this is a must read for anyone affiliated with the health sciences, whether you live in the States or not.
Five Stars of Davy!

[Kristi Curtin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has it all! From the minute I picked it up I couldn’t put it down. It has everything you want in a book - it made me laugh, it made me cry, and most importantly it made me think. Ron was so nuanced in telling an entertaining and gripping story, while also exposing the complexities of medical care in America, through the eyes of Marty, one of the best characters I’ve ever had the pleasure of spending time with. Absolutely loved it!

[Lghamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book starts with a bang as a routine surgery quickly goes south in the O.R. The tension continues as the author balances nuns, ceramic hip joints, immigration, crucifixes and Borscht-belt humor to tell a modern tale of ethics and Big Medicine. Don't miss the Zaydeh-isms that start each chapter. Who said surgeons aren't funny?

[Elizabeth Pedigo · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s rare a book grabs me like this one did. Marty is beyond lovable and easy to root for. I embarrassingly guffawed multiple times while reading this on a plane but the book was so good I didn’t care. Genuinely can’t wait to devour it again but readers be prepared to experience the full gamut of emotions…tears will fall. Best book I’ve picked up in years.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the characters in this story - from Marty and his views on his patients, the medical system, and the transitions that life threw at him, to his cheeky best friend and all the players along the way (Juni❤️)Even more, I enjoyed the story. Engaging and enthralling with twists and unexpected turns, I couldn’t put it down!

[Samir Shehab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally well-written, funny, and hard to put down. It’s one of the few medicine-themed books that doesn’t try too hard to be edgy or dramatic, and instead simply tells the story of endearing and relatable characters in an earnest way. It’s one of those books that I’ll read over and over — already looking forward to round 2!

[Margaret Bertoldi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the razor sharp wit, compelling plot, and the well developed characters of this book. This author conveys a serious commentary on the current state of US healthcare through a humorous and touching story- such a refreshing approach. My discerning book group of several healthcare professionals and a literature professor all thoroughly enjoyed it. I highly recommend this book!

[Stephanie Yost · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book ended up being pretty compelling and I enjoyed it. Started off with a bang and then had some slow pace issues that made me lose interest temporarily, but once it got going again I loved it. Interesting, razor sharp social/ medical critique. Wish I’d had a heads up on the pregnancy loss/ abortion themes.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wandering Jew of St Salacious is a great and fun read. Which happens to take on a big and serious subject with humor and a good story…health care systems. You will fall in love with the quirky characters especially Marty. And as in all good stories there are a few you want to hate! Rumor has it there may be another book in the works so stay tuned for future Ron Turker releases

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ron Turker's book is a hilarious--yes, hilarious--and honest indictment on the broken American medical system written through the eyes of a surgeon. If only the "right" people would read it, those in power, those able to make changes so that not only the rich and powerful but those in need are able to access care.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was funny, emotional, and reminiscent of one of my own lived experiences as a Jewish doctor in a catholic hospital. Dr. Turker manages to potray an accurate depiction of what a healthcare experience can be like for so many of us that work in the field and the patients, portrayed through his lens of a comedian.

[Robin S · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much to love about this book. A compelling topic, truly hilarious dialogue, and the wonderful characters....just irresistible. Marty, Juni, Sara, Ralph - I miss them already. As a matter of fact, I miss them so much that I think I need to start re-reading this again immediately....

[Wendy Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not the fastest reader but this was a book I could not read fast enough. I fell in love with the characters and gritted my teeth about a few of course. Ron is a wonderful storyteller and I loved his grit, honesty and humor in creating this tale. Bravo and sequel please!

[Louis Baslaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

As a little Jewish boy from NY and a retired OR nurse I could relate to both the Yiddish parables at the start of each chapter and all the medical/surgical references.

[Steffnee Peterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both hilarious and heart-wrenching, Turker dives deep into open wounds in today's healthcare climate. Why is it such a complicated industry and why do its practitioners carry such scars? I highly recommend for anyone working in or around healthcare, and for those that use its services.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic tale of health care from the caregiver’s side in America!

[Alex McPhee · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so so so good

[Erin Madriago · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book!! Fantastic story, wonderful dialogue, an amazing protagonist, and a hilarious yet deeply poignant look at today’s medical system. Highly highly recommend.

[Debbie Goetz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Whether the characters are good or bad, you want to keep turning the pages to see what happens to them.

Great read! Looking forward to Turker's next novel.

[Dede Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and looking forward to hearing the audio version.

[Janet R.]

Clever. Took a long time to plough through and much better at the end.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2 ⭐️ Audible

[D.Burger · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have not read this book, add it to your 2024 reading list now! It’s very relevant to our current trying times. (Bias alert: also written by my fav surgeon).

[Roxanne Pastel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whitty, hilariously blasphemous and relatable. My mother met the author on a flight and said he was delightful. The book was an incredible page turner and a true joy as someone that works in healthcare and gets to see all the personalities, tragic injustices and magic istbeholds.