David J. Holcombe M.D.'s Books

Public Health Onstage

Medical Essays and Original Short Plays

By: David J. Holcombe M.D.

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Public Health Onstage

Medical Essays and Original Short Plays

By: David J. Holcombe M.D.

Public Health Onstage represents an attempt to combine two visions of public healththe scientific and the artistic. Each one of the short essays deals with some aspect of public health, including human papillomavirus vaccination, medication marketing, safe sleep, malpractice, sexual assault, opioid abuse, and many more. Paired with each scientific essay are one or more original short plays that delve into the same or similar subject matter while exploiting its dramatic potential. Dr. David Holcombe has taken many of the plays from previous publications, including Beauty and the Botox; Old South, New South, No South; Chateau in Hessmer; and Why Go All the Way to Fulton, Louisiana? Some of the medical essays have been extracted from his previously published Mendels Garden: Selected Medical Topics. Most of these medical essays have already appeared in Cenla Focus, a regional publication in Central Louisiana, or Visible Horizon, another regional publication by the Council on Aging. Some essays and plays have never been previously published. Combining the scientific and the artistic can be fraught with peril. Their hoped-for synergy can dissolve into nonsense or, worse yet, alienate the reader who becomes completely unreceptive. My hope is that this volume will break new ground in both public health and theater and appeal to the most discriminating critics. Many famous authors have tackled complex social and medical issues in the past (notably Henrik Ibsen and George Bernard Shaw). Physicians have also distinguished themselves as playwrights while steering clear of medical topics entirely (such as Dr. Anton Chekhov.) But this volume hopes to put the medical and theatrical together for the edification and entertainment of the reader and the potential viewer. Scientific readers may gain a new appreciation for the persuasive power of the stage, and theater lovers may acquire some unexpected medical information.

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329

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ISBN 10

1524672661

ISBN 13

9781524672669

The Covid Chronicles and More

By: David J. Holcombe MD

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The Covid Chronicles and More

By: David J. Holcombe MD

“The COVID CHRONICLES and More” is a collection on non-fiction articles related to the COVID pandemic, plus various short plays and other writings by Dr. David Holcombe. The COVID pandemic monopolized the nation and the world of public health for over two and a half years (from March 2020 to October 2022), resulted in over a million U.S. deaths. Following these published non-fiction articles gives a unique historical and scientific perspective on the events from a local public health perspective. The following plays deal with a variety of topics, including office dynamics, letter writing and teacher-student relationships in a French class. The collection ends with a few miscellaneous works, some of them more or less autobiographical. Given the diversity, there should be something for everyone ranging from the scientific to the theatrical.

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290

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ISBN 10

1665570822

ISBN 13

9781665570824

Old South, New South, No South

By: David J. Holcombe

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Old South, New South, No South

By: David J. Holcombe

OLD SOUTH, NEW SOUTH, NO SOUTH" contains an exciting collection of short plays by the relatively unknown playwright, Dr. David Holcombe. Issues as diverse as human cloning, imperial watches, date rape and hoarding are addressed with the same magical combination of professional knowledge and artistic sensibility. This is must read for those who think they know the South and Southern writers. The diversity of length and subject matter make it a perfect source for those directors looking for something new and unexpected. Although Dr. Chekhov might role over in his grave, medicine and drama still offer an irresistible combination for the aspiring actor, director or even medical student with a love of theater.

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368

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ISBN 10

1481704699

ISBN 13

9781481704694

Old South, New South, No South

By: David J. Holcombe

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Old South, New South, No South

By: David J. Holcombe

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368

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1481704699

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9781481704694

You Only Hurt the Ones You Love

A Collection of Short Plays

By: David J. Holcombe

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You Only Hurt the Ones You Love

A Collection of Short Plays

By: David J. Holcombe

You Only Hurt the Ones You Love is a collection of short plays by David J. Holcombe. The subject matter varies from food poisoning to Czech folk dancing, with lots of odd topics in between. The common denominator remains a keen sense of social observation and a desire to translate those findings into meaningful theater. While it is understood that many people want to be entertained rather than educated or harangued, most of these plays deal with weighty and sometimes controversial topics, often approached with humor. Artists have the responsibility to translate our world, so chaotic, disturbing, or even repulsive, into something concise, poignant, and beautiful, a far cry from simply entertaining. If you can learn something, so much the better.

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329

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ISBN 10

1546274685

ISBN 13

9781546274681

Gumbo Lagniappe (You’Ve Got to Be Kidding)

(A Collection of New Plays, a New Translation of Tartuffe and Recent Medical Essays)

By: David J. Holcombe

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Gumbo Lagniappe (You’Ve Got to Be Kidding)

(A Collection of New Plays, a New Translation of Tartuffe and Recent Medical Essays)

By: David J. Holcombe

GUMBO LAGNIAPPE (You’ve Got to Be Kidding) contains original plays, many with public health themes, but others dealing with our fascinating current political and social climate. Several plays were written for this year’s Spectral Sisters Productions Ten-Minute Play Festival for which the theme was “You’ve Got to Be Kidding,” thus the second part of the title. A collection of selected recent medical essays, some of which complement the plays, also add to this literary gumbo, as does a new translation by the author of Moliere’s classic, “Tartuffe.” Together, these new plays, an old classic and some assorted medical essays, offer “lagniappe,” a little extra, to the body of world literature. This small town, Alexandria, stuck in the middle of Louisiana and two hours’ drive (at least) from any larger city, has the advantage of being like a tramp steamer isolated in the immensity of the Indian Ocean. We have learned to entertain ourselves on the trip and this unlikely location has produced a host of plays from many other talented, but unrecognized playwrights. May creative energy continue to bubble forth from this curious location, as far off-Broadway as you can get, but perhaps a bit closer to heaven. My thanks to those who want to explore something new while supporting an undiscovered author from Central Louisiana.

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311

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ISBN 10

1728347203

ISBN 13

9781728347202

Mendel's Garden: Selected Medical Topics

By: David J Holcombe

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Mendel's Garden: Selected Medical Topics

By: David J Holcombe

MENDELS GARDEN: SELECTED MEDICAL TOPICS contains a collection of short non-fiction texts covering a wide variety of medical issues. Dr. Holcombe intends each short text for the lay audience, and there are consequently no rigorous references as would be found in scientific publications. Instead, the topics are intended to introduce the average reader to a number of current issues that affect the public, from cancer to Cyclospora and from contingency fees to health care costs. While understanding that medical publication are out of date before they are published, there should still be something of interest for just about everyone. Feel free to hop from subject to subject and share them with friends and colleagues. Medicine should be accessible to everyone in all of its good, bad and ugly aspects. Cover design: Cranial Inspiration: Portrait of Dr. David Holcombe, by Terry Strickland.

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233

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ISBN 10

1491850221

ISBN 13

9781491850220

Mendel’S Garden Revisited

Selected Medical Topics

By: David J. Holcombe

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Mendel’S Garden Revisited

Selected Medical Topics

By: David J. Holcombe

Mendels Garden Revisited is a collection of medical essays spanning several years. Topics range from child abuse to prostate cancer, mosquito-borne diseases, and the tragedy of direct-to-consumer marketing. While most are straightforward descriptions of current medical conditions of interest, many explore the complex relationship of social determinants and health outcomes. Medical topics become outdated almost before they are printed. These articles are no exception. Although there has been a sincere attempt to report the most current data, that information changes almost daily. At best, this collection is a snapshot in time, perhaps more of interest to sociologists and historians than to doctors or medical students. Written for the lay public, it remains accessible to any reader.

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285

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ISBN 10

1546253165

ISBN 13

9781546253167

A Chateau in Hessmer

A Collection of Short Plays

By: David J. Holcombe

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A Chateau in Hessmer

A Collection of Short Plays

By: David J. Holcombe

A Chateau in Hessmer contains a collection of short plays by Dr. David J. Holcombe. Lengths vary from ten-minute sketches, to more developed one-acts lasting an hour or so. Subject matter runs the gamut from penile implants to Christmas wreaths, with lots in-between. This collection compliments Dr. Holcombes previous theatrical works, Beauty and the Botox and Old South, New South, No South. Not for the faint of heart, the characters and situations reflect the best and worst our society has to offer with stomach-wrenching precision. While sometimes appearing familiar, the characters are, of course, imaginary, reflecting the best practices of confidentiality and good taste. Intrepid directors, teachers and students will find the diversity and depth of the subject matter worth exploring. Come and share a unique, if sometimes disturbing, vision of our contemporary society, played out on the stage as in life. Much as the monk, Gregor Mendel, worked in isolation in Moravia to develop the foundations of modern genetics, Dr. Holcombe has labored in Central Louisiana to create a body of work that he hopes will resist the ravages of time by incorporating universal elements. You, the reader, must be the judge if he succeeds or not.

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359

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ISBN 10

1496963520

ISBN 13

9781496963529

Beauty and the Botox

A Collection of Short Plays

By: David J. Holcombe

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Beauty and the Botox

A Collection of Short Plays

By: David J. Holcombe

Beauty and the Botox" is a collection of short plays by Dr. David J. Holcombe. Most follow a ten-minute play format, although some are considerable longer or may be played together as a one act. Issues evoked range from physician greed to issues of constitutional rights. Several deal with medical questions including end of life questions during Hurricane Katrina or the consequences of vaccination refusal. Despite the dreary sounding topics, there are always a few laughs along the way, regardless of the gravity of the situation. Most of the plays require no more than two actors, although some require up to six. Set requirements are minimal, just right for the small black box theater or student productions. Several plays have been produced by Spectral Sisters Productions and have passed the test of audience approval. From intimate to grandiose, from lighthearted to heart wrenching, there is something for every lover of the short play in this unusual collection.

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312

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ISBN 10

1467025143

ISBN 13

9781467025140

Why Go All the Way to Fulton, Louisiana?

And Other Short Plays

By: David Holcombe

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Why Go All the Way to Fulton, Louisiana?

And Other Short Plays

By: David Holcombe

WHY GO ALL THE WAY TO FULTON, LOUISIANA? is a collection of short plays by Dr. David J. Holcombe, MD. Most are ten-minute plays, but several are considerably longer and more complex. The subjects range from medical (Ebolamania and Sex Ed and the Superintendent) to political (Removing the Equestrian Statue and Painting the Ghetto.) The plays all have limited cast and set requirements, thus making them ideal for ten-minute or one-act play presentations by professionals or students. One of these plays has made its stage debut in Alexandria, Louisiana by Spectral Sisters Productions (Teds Head), but the others await their world premieres by those with a bit of courage and considerable vision. While written plays have limited public appeal, these works truly come alive on the stage. Share in the fun and the drama with these undiscovered gems from a most unlikely source, someone sometimes referred to locally as the Chekhov on the Bayou.

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288

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ISBN 10

1524617768

ISBN 13

9781524617769

Public Health Onstage

Medical Essays and Original Short Plays

By: David J. Holcombe M.D.

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Public Health Onstage

Medical Essays and Original Short Plays

By: David J. Holcombe M.D.

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1524672661

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9781524672669

Beauty and the Botox

A Collection of Short Plays

By: David J. Holcombe

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Beauty and the Botox

A Collection of Short Plays

By: David J. Holcombe

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312

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1467025143

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9781467025140

Mendel’S Garden Revisited

Selected Medical Topics

By: David J. Holcombe

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Mendel’S Garden Revisited

Selected Medical Topics

By: David J. Holcombe

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285

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ISBN 10

1546253165

ISBN 13

9781546253167

Gumbo Lagniappe (You’Ve Got to Be Kidding)

(A Collection of New Plays, a New Translation of Tartuffe and Recent Medical Essays)

By: David J. Holcombe

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Gumbo Lagniappe (You’Ve Got to Be Kidding)

(A Collection of New Plays, a New Translation of Tartuffe and Recent Medical Essays)

By: David J. Holcombe

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311

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1728347203

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9781728347202

Gumbo Lagniappe (You'Ve Got to Be Kidding): (A Collection of New Plays, a New Translation of Tartuffe and Recent Medical Essays)

By: David J. Holcombe

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Gumbo Lagniappe (You'Ve Got to Be Kidding): (A Collection of New Plays, a New Translation of Tartuffe and Recent Medical Essays)

By: David J. Holcombe

GUMBO LAGNIAPPE (You've Got to Be Kidding) contains original plays, many with public health themes, but others dealing with our fascinating current political and social climate. Several plays were written for this year's Spectral Sisters Productions Ten-Minute Play Festival for which the theme was "You've Got to Be Kidding," thus the second part of the title. A collection of selected recent medical essays, some of which complement the plays, also add to this literary gumbo, as does a new translation by the author of Moliere's classic, "Tartuffe." Together, these new plays, an old classic and some assorted medical essays, offer "lagniappe," a little extra, to the body of world literature. This small town, Alexandria, stuck in the middle of Louisiana and two hours' drive (at least) from any larger city, has the advantage of being like a tramp steamer isolated in the immensity of the Indian Ocean. We have learned to entertain ourselves on the trip and this unlikely location has produced a host of plays from many other talented, but unrecognized playwrights. May creative energy continue to bubble forth from this curious location, as far off-Broadway as you can get, but perhaps a bit closer to heaven. My thanks to those who want to explore something new while supporting an undiscovered author from Central Louisiana.

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352

Published Date

ISBN 10

172834719X

ISBN 13

9781728347196

Book's by David J. Holcombe M.D.

Public Health Onstage

Public Health Onstage

The Covid Chronicles and More

The Covid Chronicles and More

Old South, New South, No South

Old South, New South, No South

Old South, New South, No South

Old South, New South, No South

You Only Hurt the Ones You Love

You Only Hurt the Ones You Love

Gumbo Lagniappe (You’Ve Got to Be Kidding)

Gumbo Lagniappe (You’Ve Got to Be Kidding)

Mendel's Garden: Selected Medical Topics

Mendel's Garden: Selected Medical Topics

Mendel’S Garden Revisited

Mendel’S Garden Revisited

A Chateau in Hessmer

A Chateau in Hessmer

Beauty and the Botox

Beauty and the Botox

Why Go All the Way to Fulton, Louisiana?

Why Go All the Way to Fulton, Louisiana?

Public Health Onstage

Public Health Onstage

Beauty and the Botox

Beauty and the Botox

Mendel’S Garden Revisited

Mendel’S Garden Revisited

Gumbo Lagniappe (You’Ve Got to Be Kidding)

Gumbo Lagniappe (You’Ve Got to Be Kidding)

Gumbo Lagniappe (You'Ve Got to Be Kidding): (A Collection of New Plays, a New Translation of Tartuffe and Recent Medical Essays)

Gumbo Lagniappe (You'Ve Got to Be Kidding): (A Collection of New Plays, a New Translation of Tartuffe and Recent Medical Essays)

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