San Jose doctor with SCI returns to practice, completes Bay to Breakers

Add Dr. Walter Newman, a family practice physician in San Jose, to the list of those doctors who suffered a spinal cord injury and have successfully returned to their practice.  Dr. Newman suffered a cervical injury in 2017 while recovering from some unrelated medical complications when he fell and experienced his injury, leaving him a quadriplegic.

What's remarkable about his story is not just the inspiring attitude he has demonstrated with the return to his practice which he recently achieved.  But that wasn't enough for him.  So, on the suggestion of his caregiver, he decided to participate in this year's 7 1/2-mile Bay to Breakers.  Though technically a footrace, he entered the competition as a power wheelchair user and before you say "well, it was just a power wheelchair, how difficult could it have been?", you should keep in mind that the man is a quadriplegic with barely a year post-injury.  Even a few hours maneuvering a power wheelchair is not an easy feat and he was able to complete it.

For a feelgood story, here is an 18-minute long video that we'd like to share and encourage you to view below.