Fernando Torres-Gil, Los Angeles, California: an interview by Becky B. Lloyd, September 18, 2010; September 23, 2010; October 15, 2010

Transcript (45 pages) of a phone interview by Becky B. Lloyd with Fernando Torres-Gil in Los Angeles on September 18, September 23, and October 15, 2010

Torres-Gil (b. 1948) was born in Salinas, California. He was six months old when he contracted polio while living in Castroville, California. He was initially sent to Monterey County General Hospital in Salinas for treatment. His parents were immigrants from Mexico and were agricultural workers in California. He discusses his immediate and extended family, the family dynamics related to his illness, recovery and subsequent surgeries, and the support system developed with his family. He was locally treated by his physician, Dr. Englehorn. When initial treatments proved ineffective, Dr. Englehorn, a Shriner, arranged for Torres-Gil's treatment at Shriners Hospital in San Francisco. His first hospital stay was at age 2 in 1950. He left the hospital after that stay using braces and crutches. He was subsequently hospitalized, for lengthy stays ranging from three to nine months, for various surgeries between 1954 and 1966. He describes these surgeries and his recollections of care and activities while in the hospital. He continues to use braces and crutches. He has never regained use of his right leg. Torres-Gil discusses his schooling, both while in the hospital and through the public school system. He talks about his progress, challenges and accommodation. He earned Associate and Bachelor degrees in California; Master's and Doctorate degrees at Brandeis University. He has served on various councils for three US presidents, including currently on the Council on Aging. The interview concludes with Dr. Torres-Gil discussing the onset of, challenges with and adapting to post-polio syndrome. Interview is part of the Polio Oral History Project. Interviewer: Becky B. Lloyd