John A. Emery
DoctorUnited States
1939–2021
John A. Emery was a urologist who practised in Southern California for more than 30 years after training at UCSF and completing a urology residency at the University of Oregon Medical School. He also served as a U.S. Navy doctor with the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and later wrote A Surgeon’s Life with Bipolar Disorder, a memoir about his medical career and experience of the illness. [1][2]
Career and work
Emery studied at UCLA before attending UCSF Medical School. He completed an internship at Los Angeles County Hospital, served as a U.S. Navy doctor with the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, and then completed a urology residency at the University of Oregon Medical School. [1][2]
He went on to practise urology in Southern California for more than 30 years. Emery later wrote about his medical and military experiences in U.S. Medical Care and Related Factors in the Vietnam War and in his 2018 memoir A Surgeon’s Life with Bipolar Disorder. [1][2]
What has been publicly discussed
- Emery publicly identified himself as having bipolar disorder through his memoir A Surgeon’s Life with Bipolar Disorder. Promotional material for the book states that he was diagnosed at age 39 and that the memoir describes how bipolar disorder affected his life both before and after that diagnosis. [1][5]
- Emery described bipolar disorder as affecting both his personal and professional life. His clinical symptoms emerged after he had already completed his medical training and established himself as a practising doctor. [3]
Sources and other resourcesExpand to view the sources used in this profile and resources to learn more.
Sources used for this profile
The following sources contain information that supports the claims made on this page.
Google BooksA Surgeon’s Life with Bipolar Disorder Emery’s memoir and author biography covering his medical training, career, military service and self-disclosed bipolar disorder.
San Diego Union-Tribune / LegacyJohn Allen Emery, M.D. obituary Confirms Emery’s lifespan, medical education, residency, military service and urology career.
The US Review of BooksA Surgeon’s Life with Bipolar Disorder Review describing Emery’s professional life and the emergence of bipolar symptoms after he was already an established doctor.
View all 5 sources
Midwest Book ReviewSmall Press Bookwatch, June 2019 Review emphasizing the memoir’s message about disability, goals and self-determination.
BroadwayWorld“John A. Emery MD Releases Medical Memoir A Surgeon’s Life with Bipolar Disorder” Promotional material stating that Emery was diagnosed at age 39.
Learn more
Recommended books and other resources about John A. Emery and their experiences.