William E Hablitzel

William E. Hablitzel, M.D., the award winning author of "Dying Was the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me: Stories of Healing and Wisdom Along Life's Journey," has cared for patients in hospitals, examination rooms, and even in the back of ambulances. He has found lives stripped to its essence, and amidst that essence, great wisdom. The desire to share these life transforming lessons with others energized the start of his writing and speaking journey.

A practicing physician and medical educator, he shares the lessons gleaned from his most compelling teachers—those patients he has cared for. Through their extraordinary stories flow wisdom that can change us, thoroughly and forever, and help us discover the life we were meant to live.

His first Book, "Dying Was the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me" has been embraced by diverse cultures and traditions around the world. The Independent Publisher Book Award medalist has been published in countries spanning five continents.

His most recent book, "It Was Only a Moment Ago," has joined its predecessor by touching an international audience. The Korean translation has been published by the Tornado Media Group in Seoul. His book "12 Secrets for Healing," was among the most popular books at the 2012 Frankfurt Book Fair of those represented by International Titles, a literary foreign-rights agency.

Dr. Hablitzel's universal message reminds us that our visit here is a brief one. Whether measured in the span of sparce years or lush decades, the human experience occupies but a sliver of the annals of time—a mere blink of the cosmos.

There is an ineffable beauty to the awareness of our mortality. Life happens now, and it can be lost in yesterday or mispent waiting for tomorrow.

Dr. Hablitzel started his career as a firefighter-paramedic for his hometown of Perrysburg, located in northwestern Ohio. During those five years he was touched by the magic that comes through the service of others, prompting his return to school. He received his baccalaureate degree from Bowling Green State Univeristy and his medical degree at the Medical College of Ohio at Toledo.

Completing a residency in internal medicine, Dr. Hablitzel joined the faculty at the Univeristy of Cincinnati College of Medicine where he is an associate professor. In addition to his academic responsibilities, he maintains a private practice and helps operate a free medical clinic in rural southern Ohio.

Dr. Hablitzel has been recognized by the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine for excellence in teaching and his work in rural health care was honored by resolutions passed by the Ohio State Senate and the Ohio House of Representatives. He has been named a Melvin Jones Fellow by Lion's International.