Arnold Beisser

About the Author

Arnold Beisser, M.D., was a pioneering psychiatrist, athlete, and author whose life was profoundly shaped by personal tragedy and resilience. Stricken with polio at age 24, just as he was on the cusp of a promising career in medicine and competitive tennis, Beisser transformed his experience of profound loss and physical disability into a journey of self-discovery and healing. Drawing from his dual roles as patient and physician, he explored the intersections of body, mind, and spirit with unflinching honesty. His seminal work, Flying Without Wings: Personal Reflections on Loss, Disability, and Healing, offers intimate insights into adapting to life's unforeseen challenges, inspiring readers to find strength amid adversity. Beisser's writings continue to resonate, illuminating paths to emotional and psychological recovery for those facing their own trials.