Dr. Eric Deppert’s journey in medicine is a testament to lifelong dedication, resilience, and a passion for making a difference. From his early days at the University of Massachusetts, where a love for science and helping others set him on the path to medicine, to his leadership roles across hospitals in Philadelphia, Texas, and Florida, his career has been marked by a commitment to both patient care and education.
A Career Built on Service and Education
Dr. Deppert’s medical training began at Hahnemann University College of Medicine (now Drexel), followed by a residency and chief residency at the University of Pennsylvania Presbyterian Hospital. He balanced clinical practice with teaching, mentoring future doctors, and holding leadership positions such as Vice Chairman of Medicine and Chief Medical Officer at several major hospitals. Despite the demanding hours and frequent relocations, Dr. Deppert’s focus remained on building relationships with patients and colleagues, always striving to improve healthcare delivery.
Prevention and the Power of Listening
A central theme in Dr. Deppert’s career, and his writing, is the importance of prevention. Early on, he noticed that many patients arrived at the hospital with advanced, preventable illnesses. This realization fueled his advocacy for early detection, lifestyle changes, and patient education.
“Prevention is really important, but it is a balance,” said Dr. Deppert. His approach emphasizes not only the value of preventive care but also the need to consider each patient’s unique situation, listening closely to their concerns and goals.
He developed innovative programs to address risk factors for heart disease and stroke, emphasizing that it is never too late to make positive changes. Dr. Deppert’s stories highlight the need for doctors to listen deeply, understand the whole person, and address not just physical symptoms but also behavioral and societal factors.
Writing as Reflection and Legacy
Dr. Deppert’s first book, titled, “NREDOM ENICIDEM: Modern Medicine is Backwards,” distills decades of experience into practical lessons for both patients and physicians. He hopes readers take away that “it’s never too late,” that self-care and open communication with healthcare providers are vital, and that small steps can lead to meaningful change.
Reflecting on his approach, Dr. Deppert remarked, “I kind of forgot maybe on some level that there’s also a role for prevention in terms of the total plan, right, I just focused on the tree in front of me, I forgot about the whole forest. This is a person. It’s not just a stroke or a heart attack.” His words underscore the necessity of seeing each patient as a whole individual, not just a diagnosis.
Looking Forward: A Trilogy of Healing
Dr. Deppert’s commitment to education and advocacy doesn’t stop with this book. He is already working on two more: one delving into spirituality and resilience in the face of adversity, and another focused on the art of truly listening to patients. Together, these works form a trilogy that reflects his holistic vision for healthcare, one that honors the mind, body, and spirit.
As Dr. Deppert discusses the topic of his upcoming third book, “The Unheard Patient: I Know My Doctor Heard Me, but Did He Listen?” he notes, “Hearing is a passive process.” This insight captures the distinction he makes between simply hearing a patient’s words and truly listening to understand their needs and concerns. By emphasizing this difference, Dr. Deppert advocates for a deeper, more empathetic approach to patient care that goes beyond routine interactions.
Personal Stories and Resilience
Dr. Deppert’s journey has not been without challenges—hospital bankruptcies, personal loss, and health struggles have shaped his perspective. He shares candidly about setbacks and the role of faith, family, and perseverance in overcoming adversity. These experiences have deepened his empathy and commitment to supporting others, both in and out of the hospital.
A Lasting Impact
When asked about his legacy, Dr. Deppert’s answer is simple: he hopes to be remembered as someone who cared, who tried to have an influence, and who shared his vulnerabilities to help others. His story is a powerful reminder that medicine is not just about science, but about compassion, connection, and the courage to keep moving forward.
Dr. Eric Deppert’s book is available now, and his insights continue to inspire both the medical community and the broader public. We are honored to share his story as part of the Brundage Group family.
