A: I interpret 18th century medicine in both the French and Indian Wars with the Montgomeries Highlanders and the American Revolutionary War era with the Pawtuxet Rangers. In both units I serve as their surgeon.

Q: Are you a doctor? What qualifies you to reenact a surgeon?

A: In both of these periods, doctors were predominately trained as apprentices. Those who were university trained in Edinburgh or Philadelphia, for instance, diagnosed and prescribed; surgeons did most of the hands-on treatment. I was a hospital administrator for many years and studied the theory and practice of 18th century medicine as a hobby. I also did considerable research for a novel which I have written about an 18th century surgeon.

Q: Have you always been interested in history?

A: During my bachelor's degree education, I studied history but have always been particularly interested in biography about historical figures and in reading historical novels.

Q: Have you trained to reenact specific figures?

A: I have identified surgeons (Allan Stewart with the Montgomeries, and Joseph Aborn with the Pawtuxet Rangers) but little is know about them. I have trained with advice from Colonial Williamsburg and at Yorktown.

Q: Where have you done living history demonstrations?

A: I have shared 18th century medical instruments, medications and practices with elementary and high school students, at universities such as Providence College and the University of Rhode Island, at colonial encampments and at Scottish highland games.