Grailworld Online
Canadian Pediatric Society

B.C. paediatrician turns author
Children inspire self-development book

Over the past six years, when Dr. Henry Ukpeh hasn’t been working as a consulting paediatrician in Trail, B.C., he’s been busy penning his first book. Based on “practical lessons from the lives of children” he has treated and known, Only Be Afraid of Standing Still focuses on self-development through a scientific and philosophical approach.

With wide-ranging experiences from growing up in Nigeria and practicing medicine in Canada, Dr. Ukpeh was inspired to write the book after he addressed executives of the World Bank in Washington, D.C., in 2000. Presenting on what the audience could learn from children to be better adults, his idea for a book was born.

Dr. Ukpeh says Only Be Afraid of Standing Still embodies his dedication to balancing the many commitments and requirements of life.

“This book represents a genuine effort to reach out to all those who have to endure change, especially painful change,” Dr. Ukpeh says. “It also represents my conviction in my own experiences-my fears, hopes and aspirations-and my acknowledgement of the uniqueness of every human being.”

Dr. Ukpeh is a consulting paediatrician at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail, B.C., and a clinical assistant professor of paediatrics at the University of British Columbia. He was awarded the CPS Certificate of Merit in 2005 for his contributions to the health of children and youth at the regional level. The book can be purchased on his website, drhenryukpeh.com, and through major bookstores.