Paul Bernstein, Kaiser Executive Medical Director for San Diego, talks about his writing career

Dr. Paul Bernstein has written a new book, Flashblind, about doctors who failed moral tests. Bernstein is judgmental, but he has engaged in eerily similar activities.

Renowned Surgeon Finds Time To Write Thrillers
08 Apr 2012
Posted by Mike Sirota

I’ve known Dr. Paul Bernstein ever since he and his wife, Judy, joined a read & critique group that I facilitated back in the ’90s. Both have since been published, their initial books receiving much critical acclaim. While some people think that surgeons often sit high atop their Medical Mount Olympus, Paul is one of the nicest, down-to-earth guys you would ever want to meet. He recently took time from his insane schedule to answer some questions and discuss Flashblind, his latest medical thriller.

Talk about your medical background.

PB: I’m a graduate of the University of California (UCSD) medical school and completed my residency in Head and Neck Surgery at University Hospital in San Diego. I’m board certified in Head and Neck Surgery and a fellow in both the American College of Surgeons and the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery.

I am the Area Medical Director for Kaiser Permanente San Diego and past Regional Chief of Head and Neck Surgery for Southern California. My medical awards include the Physicians’ Exceptional Contribution Award (Partner of the Year) in 2005 and the Schilling Award for Compassionate Care in 2007.

I’m an assistant clinical professor with UCSD’s Department of Head and Neck Surgery and started the Mohs Surgery Program in San Diego. I’ve been the Chairman of the Head and Neck Division of the American Cancer Society for over fifteen years and was awarded the ACS Community Service Award twice.

When and why did you decide to start writing novels?

PB: I started writing novels in the 1990s. As a history major at UCLA before medical school, I enjoyed writing and telling an interesting story. Your read & critique groups were inspiring and your teaching invaluable in helping me take my skills from an average story teller to an engaging author...