midwifes, developing, in the process, protocols for working with midwives in the hospital. Dr. Goodman added, “Those protocols were adopted by UC Davis and Marin General…and we got to be known as people who worked with midwives.” The midwifery schools at Stanford and the University of California would then send their midwives to Dr. Goodman’s group for internships. As to the status of midwives, he notes that they [nurse midwives] are very much accepted nowadays, though lay midwives are less accepted in some arenas because they are a bit out of the medical care system.

And when he’s not engrossed in doctoring or writing? “I used to white-water kayak,” he shared. “I’ve done rafting down the Colorado. About 7-8 years ago, I stopped heavy duty white-water kayaking after a near-death experience.” He gardens, growing most of the vegetables that the family consumes. “It’s a meditation for me; landscaping; time with the family,” including his sweetheart / fiancé, Michele, and four children: Gabriele, Lauren David, Caleb and Samuel. He noted that, while it can be a juggle, “It’s a wonderful juggle, because mostly I really enjoy the different things that I’m doing.” Additionally, he plays tennis a couple of times each week, and he plays music. “I play Cajun Zydeco music; a little bit of bass. I love to listen to music at the small venues. I love the Palms.”