The Hard Way: A Doctor's Fight Against Addiction, Poverty, and Depression

Jason Ramirez, MD, had a troubled childhood. When Jason’s wife, Melissa, announced that she was pregnant, it all came flooding back. Jason liked children, and his career as a family doctor meant he was good at dealing with the bruised knees and winter colds that childhood brings. He wasn’t sure, however, that he would make a good father. How could he raise a child when he had such a difficult childhood himself?

In this inspirational memoir, Jason shows you exactly how he overcame these concerns and went on to have both a successful professional life and an amazing personal one. He takes you from his early years as the son of heroin addicts to his bright career in medicine.

The journey wasn’t always easy. The challenges of parental addiction and homelessness weren’t the only obstacles Jason faced. As a young adult, he suffered from depression. His illness led to difficulties both with his home life and with his residency program. Jason got back on his feet, but he didn’t do it alone.

As you read Jason’s story, he shows you how the power of love and understanding helped him achieve everything he wanted in his life.

Jason Ramirez, MD, studied at Emory University and Drexel University School of Medicine. He now works as the director of the family-medicine residency program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Ramirez lives with his family in Baltimore, Maryland. He has a wife and two children.