"The whole ship shuddered from the vibration of its massive propellers as it broke through the surface of the roaring sea. Here I was on January 22, 1961, in the North Atlantic in the midst of a horrific Nor- Easter. All I could envision was the ship snapping in two, and going down into the deep black waters of the icy Atlantic. "We're going down, we're not going to make it!" That thought raced through my mind over and over, like a runaway train."
"OVER THERE" is about the six year journey I took to obtain my medical degree. As a college graduate from New York, I found myself in the middle of Switzerland, attending medical school, where all the courses were given in either French or German and all the exams were oral. The courses were supposed to be in English, but that obviously was not the case. I could neither speak nor understand either language.
I had but two options: one was to go home and reapply in the states, the other was to find a way to overcome theses seemingly impossible obstacles. I chose to stay.
"OVER THERE" chronologically follows me from my last year at Columbia, through my five years of medical studies overseas. The stories are factual as best as I can recall. You just can't make this stuff up, you have to live it! Many of the adventures are enriched by the numerous photographs which I have included within the book, giving the reader a much greater understanding of the unfolding story.
Since I was already taking photographs early on, I was also able to include many beautiful colored pictures of the magnificent scenery that surrounded me during those five exciting years. It was a great journey and I hope you will take the trip with me, once again.
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Over There
Paperback: 232 pages
Publisher: AuthorHouse (December 22, 2009) Language: English ISBN-10: 1449030718 ISBN-13: 978-1449030711
This review is from: Amazon.com about "Over There" August 13, 2010 A Splendid & Inspiring Memoir,
By RebeccasReads.com "Rebecca's Reads" (Austin, Texas)
An autobiographical account of Dr. Schoenfeld's adventure of becoming a medical doctor in Europe is a page-turner. It is a marvelous story of
dedication and hard work, showing the reader that determination pays off.
Desiring to become a doctor, the author gets advised into going to Switzerland to pursue his studies. Being told that everything will be in English, he is completely unprepared for lectures in French and German. Besides experiencing culture shock, new languages have to be learnd. Oral exams in front of the classmates in two foreign languages - this is just one of the challenges, which many would find extremely discouraging. The author however, does not lose track of his goals and does his best to persevere.
"Over There" is very enjoyable to read, putting the reader right into the midst of described events. With a good sense of humor, some parts are very entertaining. The author describes his personal life with its ups and downs, his wins and losses, and the ways he dealt with them. It is absolutely fascinating to read about all the experienced hardships and how everything turned out at the end. Dr. Schoenfeld accomplished what he desired, being a successful clinician for over forty years. His past experienced shaped his life and taught him crucial lessons. I believe that reflecting on one's past experiences is absolutely necessary for everyone in order to keep the right perspective into what happened and is happening right. Of course, not everyone's life may be as adventurous as Dr.
Schoenfeld's, but everyone experiences hardships and challenges from which they learn. And the author shows just that in his pages. He tells the story of his life, inspiring the readers to look back and reflect on their experiences, which taught them important lessons, but may have gone unnoticed.
It is also important to point out that the book is wonderfully illustrated with many photographs, which the author took himself during the adventures. These beautiful color photographs complement the text extremely well, making the described events even more personal for the reader.
This review is from: Amazon.com about "Over There" July 22, 2010
Determination,
By Reader Views "www.readerviews.com"
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (07/10)
No one ever said going to medical school would be easy, and this was the case of Dr. Robert Schoenfeld. There are very few slots in prestigious hospitals for medical students, but Dr. Schoenfeld found a true friend and mentor in Dr. Skylar. Although he often found Dr. Skylar's mannerisms strange, Robert found that this Jewish man inspired him and made him try to move to an area he might not be comfortable with - that is, going overseas to a country one knows nothing about, especially the language and try to finish his medical work.
I don't know about you, but I remember when my husband was in the military and we were stationed in Germany. Talk about a cultural shock! It took time to acclimate as it does with Robert. Where to live? How to understand professors that you thought would speak in English, but didn't, learning a new language and cultural differences.
What was best about this reading is that the author put you in his life at that time, the struggles, his thoughts of just giving up and his determination to overcome all obstacles. The author has great humor, knows his shortcomings and yet will overcome them all. He will take you through a journey of his time in Switzerland - his friends, studying or not, and his girlfriend. He will describe his numerous trips home to see his family and death that affected him. There are beautiful pictures of his time in Europe- many of us can only imagine.
I believe that one of the most important messages that Dr. Schoenfeld gives readers in "Over There" is: Don't give up on your dreams and aspirations. Life is full of obstacles- how hard do you want this?
This review is from: Amazon.com about "Over There" December 29, 2016 A touching diary of how the author overcame the obstacles...
By H. Johnson -
A touching diary of how the author overcame the obstacles of a new language and a new foreign country to acheive a medical doctors degree and a romance. The recall detail is surperb.
This review is from: Amazon.com about "Over There" August 11, 2013 Visually Stunning - Your Coffee Table Needs This Book
By Kristen L. -
First off, this is a great story. It is a vacation; a time capsule; a triumph. It is the timeless tale of overcoming unbelievable obstacles, achieving the seemingly impossible, and above all, never giving up. But it's not a heavy read- the author delivers the story with a lighthearted voice. For such serious events in a person's life, it's actually a surprisingly funny story.
But the real gem here, the reason you should buy this book, is for the visual contribution on the part of the author. As a photographer, he captures the places he discusses expertly and artistically. It is worth it just for the beautiful images. Whether you're getting it with the intention of reading the story (and you won't be able to resist) or just keeping it on your coffee table for you and your guests to enjoy, you will be very happy that you got it.
This review is from: Amazon.com about "Over There" May 24, 2013 Over There
By Paul M. -
Dr Schoenfeld's memoire reads like a real-life adventure tale. Going to medical school in a really different world, in two different languages, and succeeding by struggle, perserverance, and luck. Having gone through this process myself, in my hometown, and in my own language, was struggle enough! It also gives the reader a window into life in Europe in the 1950's.
This review is from: Amazon.com about "Over There" April 3, 2013 A Very Inspirational Journey
By Jeffrey -
Over There takes us on an unusual journey of one man's quest to become a doctor. Dr. Schoenfeld's unorthodox course to achieving his medical degree says as much about his character as it does his intelligence. It reflects on the human condition. It is challenging enough to earn a medical degree. Imagine having to learn 2 foreign languages to get there. That's what I call doing it the hard way. By overcoming these obstacles Dr. Schoenfeld reaches the top of the mountain (in more ways than one). Over There gives us insight into a different era through Dr. Schoenfeld's adventures before bringing it all back home. I highly recommend you take this book back home to find out what went on Over There.
This review is from: Amazon.com about "Over There" March 31, 2013 Perseverance!
By Ira Spector -
When I reluctantly closed the last page of Over There, I looked at Bob Schoenfeld's photo on the back and talked to it,
"Bob, I met you a lifetime ago when we were both kids, and spent a summer with you at your family's Camp Deerhead, I didn't know what great strength of character and determination was part of your inner core. Your extremely well written and easily readable (large type for my ancient eyes) memoir portrayed the unique challenge you had upon entering the doors of medical school in Switzerland. Expecting the lectures to be in English and finding them exclusively in French and German, which you knew not a word was like expecting to walk up a small hill at Deerhead, and finding Mt. Everest instead. Yet you climbed and reached the summit five years later graduating with quite high grades and becoming a physician. Another quality that comes through in reading your journey is your humanness and the way you enjoyed school and as an aside were able to play and star at basketball, following in your lauded father's footsteps. Quite an achievement Bob, you're quite a mensch. Congratulations."
This review is from: Amazon.com about "Over There" March 20, 2013 Fascinating!
By MSA -
As I read through the pages of this book,I could visualize Dr. Schoenfeld's experiences. For the short time that I have had the pleasure of knowing him,I can see what an interesting man and dedicated doctor he is. This must stem from the experiences that he went through "Over There". The descriptions and photographs brought the story to life. How daunting it must have been for him to study in a foreign country, not knowing the language or the subject matter. All in all I was enthralled in every page,and thoroughly enjoyed this book.
This review is from: Amazon.com about "Over There" December 4, 2012 Over There" What a great book!
By Radman -
"Over There" by Dr. Bob Schoenfeld, is truly a gem of a book. This is a memoir of Bob's trials and tribulations of getting into and then attending medical school in Switzerland. The obstacles in his way were formidable, but somehow, he persevered. The book is written with a great sense of humor and many parts are outright hilarious. I think this book is as good as it is because it is written from the heart, from actual true life experience. I read this book with my headlamp on (during the power outage from hurricane Sandy) in two nights. It is a very good read.
This review is from: Amazon.com about "Over There" July 23, 2012 A must read!
By Susan Hothersall -
There is nothing like a great memoir and I can promise you that OVER THERE is indeed a great memoir. It made me laugh a lot, shed a tear or two and made me happy to know that all turned out extremely well for the doctor and his Swiss Miss, he is a true gentleman and a superb storyteller. You will not be disappointed, I read it in a day and enjoyed the photographs ~ it is an adult picture book, such fun.
This review is from: Amazon.com about "Over There" October 23, 2011 A must read!
By Laura Moll -
I enjoyed reading the adventures of "Bob" Schoenfeld as he pursued the challenging goal of receiving his medical degree in his adopted Switzerland. The photography and descriptive geographical narratives of his surroundings are realistic and detailed. His six years of adventures are to be remembered. Learning French and German was an added burden to comprehend, study and to take oral and written exams. Dr Bobs' memoirs in achieving his goal is inspirational and a diamond example of what one is capable of enduring in order to aspire ones goal.
This review is from: Amazon.com about "Over There" August 14, 2011 A wonderful Journey
By Celia -
The adventures and achievements of the young Bob Schoenfeld portends the dedicated, multifaceted and accomplished physician and man that he has become. It was a wonderful experience to follow his career from fledgling medical student in a foreign country to his success as a recognized and respected physician in his community at home. The photographs in the book, one more of Bob's many talents, heighten your sense of "being there" as you read about his exploits, adventures and misadventures. Even those of us who know the outcome, root for him throughout. The book is a joy to read and a visual delight; a thoroughly
satisfactory experience for the reader.
This review is from: Amazon.com about "Over There" October 11, 2010 Picaresque AND Engaging
By Jay Lefer -
A book by a physician who writes well. He brings his determination, courage, and adventures to the reader. Due to the quota system in place in American medical schools for generations(documented by the New York Academy of Medicine), the author goes to Switzerland to study medicine, overcoming cultural and language difficulties and differences. He discovered a remarkable country, beautiful, supportive, with charismatic professors and a level of medical training that is superb. Inspiring.
This review is from: Amazon.com about "Over There" August 18, 2010 Resilence of the Human Spirit
By Maureen Oummadi
In his quest to obtain his medical degree Dr. Robert Schoenfeld ventured to Switzerland to attend Medical School which was supposed to be in English, but much to his dismay was taught only in German and French. As he could speak neither, imagine the courage it took to continue on with his studies. Over There creates a fascinating glimpse into the life of an American medical student in Switzerland and the fortitude it took not only to complete but to excel. Along the way the reader is mesmerized by one man's journey not only to becoming a physician, but, just as importantly to becoming a man. The beautiful pictures that accompany this most compelling story, bring the reader along for the ride. You will laugh,cry, and commiserate with the writer along the way. This book is a MUST READ for anyone who believes in and champions the human spirit.
This review is from: Amazon.com about "Over There" June 26, 2010 Pleasant and Captivating,
By Basil Reynolds
Dr. Schoenfeld's book, "Over There", was a pleasant, fast paced and captivating read. His many exciting and challenging experiences were met with courage, perseverance and stamina. A true testimony to the undaunting exuberance of youth. Although our experiences were entirely different, I was able to relate to the,
"foreign culture experience", having lived abroad myself. However, I never had to overcome the challenge of studying in unknown languages, which from my perspective was his most remarkable achievement. His book encapsules stories of joyous accomplishments and times of bitter sweet sorrow. These coupled with an exceptional collection of photographs all come together to fashion a delightful journey!!
This review is from: Amazon.com about "Over There" April 18, 2010
By Pamipie (New York, USA)
"Over There" is an amazing, informative and thoroughly entertaining recount of Doctor Bob Schoenfeld's 5-1/2 year journey through medical school in Switzerland. This book ranks as one of the best memoirs I have read. Bob's easy writing style befriends you and makes you feel you are right there traveling on the road beside him through his many escapades. His descriptive voice, along with the many beautiful pictures, give the reader an understanding of the wonder
and sensation that Bob felt (at the ripe old age of 21) in Switzerland his magical and mystical new home.
Bob goes through the gamut of emotions- from being on his own and traveling by ship, to his destination. He then finds out abruptly that his communication skills won't cut it. He needs to learn two languages French and German (never known to him before)in order to learn medicine. His fear and despair almost send him back to the USA but Bob finds something to make him stay....... through the many laughs and tears he finds his positive light and becomes motivated and determined to overcome his obstacles and do what has to be done to attain his medical degree abroad.
As I came to the close of this book, I felt as I do sometimes when reading ---- that I didn't want the story to end. Of course it had to, but I will ask the author for a favor. Please Dr. Schoenfeld don't stop now. This wonderful, inspirational story was only about 5-1/2 years of your life!! There must be more!! Would you, could you, roll up your sleeves, get those nimble fingers typing and tell us more????????
Thank you
This review is from: Amazon.com about "Over There" April 16, 2010 A truly inspirational book!,
By Glorian M. Leicht (New York, USA)
This review is from: Over There (Paperback) This is a truly inspirational book. A wonderful example of how determination and perseverance accomplishes success! Imagine for a moment taking medical school classes in two foreign languages, neither of which you speak! You will see that Dr. Schoenfeld is truly an
amazing person. The story is quite captivating and the book couldn't be put down. It touches on the universal human experience of loss which everyone can relate to. It shows how sometimes, something quite unexpected can be the changing and influential force in motivating a person to stay on a course in life. The photography is most beautiful. Dr. Schoenfeld is a wonderful artist as well. While reading this story you will feel your essence enveloped and transported as if you are really,"Over There", with Dr. Schoenfeld in Switzerland. You will become enriched with the flavor of his experience now shared with you.
This review is from: Amazon.com about "Over There" January 25, 2010 A Real winner!,
By Mucho Gusto Reader "MGR" (NYC) Wow; this book was such an unexpected pleasure! I initially was drawn to it because it is such an attractive, even beautiful book. Then I started to read it and I couldn't put it down. It's the true story of the author's medical school adventures in Switzerland. Imagine coming to medical school in the small town of
Fribourg, Switzerland, having been told that your classes would be conducted in English, only to find that they were conducted entirely in French and German, two languages that are totally unknown to you? To make matters worse, each test of the material would be done verbally, in French or German, by the respective
professor in an open class setting. What do you do?
The author puts you entirely in his shoes as he flails about, becomes increasingly discouraged and moves toward the inevitable; going home with his tail between his legs. But, just as he's about to make that inglorious retreat, a lifeline is thrown to him and it comes in the unlikely shape of a basketball! A basketball?
That's as far as I'll take you into this most colorful and significant anecdote. To complete it would be unfair to the reader who will be most amused by the central role it plays in the medical school career of the author, Bob Schoenfeld. This account is but one of the heart-warming and fascinating human interest adventures that make this book into such an enjoyable read from cover to cover.
Many of them are quite funny; some touch on serious romance; the others cover the emotional spectrum; all of them colorful and most entertaining. But, the author also is a world-class photographer. The many photos displayed throughout the book, all in color, fully capture the incredible beauty of Switzerland and also bring to life the main characters of his exciting and adventure-packed five years in the country. I read this book in but several sittings. I really had a ball in doing so and I have no hesitation in giving "OVER THERE" my highest recommendation. It's a real beauty, both inside and out!
This review is from: Amazon.com about "Over There" January 22,2010
By Jenna A. Gleimer "Deborah Frankel" (New York City)
I had the opportunity to read Robert Schoenfeld's Over There. I found it to be a very easy and pleasurable read. It was verry warm and endeering to read Dr. Schoenfeld's story about his youth over seas and what he he had to endure to become a physician in the states, this was no easy task. His book was both articulate, humorous, and very touching all at the same time. I enjoyed very much reading about his experiences and all he went thru. The book also had beautiful photographs of the are which would make it a lovely coffee table addition.
About this Book
