FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 1, 2009

Seattle Physician Releases "Complications: A Doctor's Love Story"

Seattle, WA — Seattle physician Linda Gromko, MD today announced the release of her memoir "Complications: A Doctor's Love Story" at the Pacific Northwest Writers Conference. A debut work, Dr. Gromko's memoir is listed as Nonfiction in the subcategories of Relationships and Health, and is identified as one of the few works dealing with rigors of kidney failure and dialysis (ISBN 0982514301).

            Dr. Gromko's true story begins with the implausible inheritance she receives from a former patient. Completely unexpected, the windfall jolts her life, which is already out-of-balance with the demands of her profession. She reshuffles her life's priorities and finally gives in to her need to seek a life partner once and for all.

            Browsing on the Internet, the Seattle doctor advertises, "I'd like to meet a nice Democrat." She finds Steve, a businessman who is "gifted at banter, irreverently funny, and loyal as a beagle." While Steve brings joy, he also brings unforeseen complications into the doctor's life. For one thing, Steve has full custody of nine-year-old daughter Brita, who greets the doctor with "I hate every centimeter of you—get used to it!"

            Then, there is the more serious issue of Steve's health. Known to have diabetes and high blood pressure, Steve falls precipitously into the abyss of kidney failure. Without a kidney transplant or dialysis, Steve will die within one to two weeks. Written from a doctor's perspective, the book takes the reader on a tumultuous course of medical and personal trials, as Dr. Gromko exerts the most powerful advocacy of her life.

            Joe Piscatella, author and President of The Institute for Fitness and Health, endorsed the book as follows: "Dr. Linda Gromko has written a gritty, realistic piece about true life with kidney failure and heart disease. If anything makes a case for prevention and a healthy lifestyle, this book delivers!" Best-selling author Elizabeth Lyon noted "Dr. Gromko explains everything about the realities of kidney disease, and in a way that readers can not only easily understand, but will also feel on the edge of their seats awaiting the next diagnosis, procedure, victory, or complication. Ultimately, this memoir is a stirring account about hope, commitment, sacrifice, and love."

            Dr. Gromko grew up in Seattle, and graduated from the University of Washington School of Medicine.  Prior to medical school, she earned a Master in Nursing degree from the University of Washington Family Nurse Practitioner Program. Dr. Gromko founded Queen Anne Medical Associates, PLLC. She resides on Bainbridge Island with her husband and daughter; her son Tim Franklin is a television newscaster in Montana.

For further information, visit www.LindaGromkoMD.com.

Email: ljgromko@msn.com; Telephone: (206) 281-7163, Extension 15