Treating Violence: A Doctor's Search for a Cure

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Rob Gore first encountered violence when he was beaten and robbed as a 10-year old; it was treated as an inevitable fact of life, but after another brush with violence as a teen, he began to reject that prevalent attitude. As he matured and became a doctor, he grew in his determination to find treatments for what he saw not as an unavoidable fact for most people living in vulnerable, underserved neighborhoods especially, but as a public health issue that could be addressed by early intervention and solid support, beginning in the medical community. He also became deeply involved in efforts to diversify the entire field of medicine, starting with the "front lines" in the Emergency Department. Seeing his brother Angel and close friend Willis fall prey to the epidemic of violence with profound-and in Willis's case-deadly consequences, Rob began seriously researching the issue and went on to found an organization which is one of the models for successful approaches to reducing violence and protecting victims, who are disproportionately BIPOC, living in impoverished neighborhoods, or members of the LGBTQ+ community. Here he provides not only statistics, but stories of what he witnessed in NYC neighborhoods, in Atlanta, Chicago, Buffalo and even in medical work in Haiti and Kenya. His work with the Kings Against Violence Initiate (KAVI) and allied organizations is a blueprint for treating violence not as a police matter, but as a public health crisis, which can and should be addressed and substantially reduced. The people he introduces us to in these pages are not merely victims, but often advocates, paving the way for eliminating the epidemic of violence in our country. The inspiring story of a Black doctor deeply affected by the violence in his childhood that plagued his Brooklyn community who was determined to be a force for change and dedicated himself to addressing trauma and violence as public health issues Rob Gore first encountered violence when he was beaten and robbed as a 10-year old; it was treated as an inevitable fact of life, but after another brush with violence as a teen, he began to reject that prevalent attitude. As he matured and became a doctor, he grew in his determination to find treatments for what he saw not as an unavoidable fact for most people living in vulnerable, underserved neighborhoods especially, but as a public health issue that could be addressed by early intervention and solid support, beginning in the medical community. He also became deeply involved in efforts to diversify the entire field of medicine, starting with the "front lines" in the Emergency Department. Seeing his brother Angel and close friend Willis fall prey to the epidemic of violence with profound-and in Willis's case-deadly consequences, Rob began seriously researching the issue and went on to found an organization which is one of the models for successful approaches to reducing violence and protecting victims, who are disproportionately BIPOC, living in impoverished neighborhoods, or members of the LGBTQ+ community. Here he provides not only statistics, but stories of what he witnessed in NYC neighborhoods, in Atlanta, Chicago, Buffalo and even in medical work in Haiti and Kenya. His work with the Kings Against Violence Initiate (KAVI) and allied organizations is a blueprint for treating violence not as a police matter, but as a public health crisis, which can and should be addressed and substantially reduced. The people he introduces us to in these pages are not merely victims, but often advocates, paving the way for eliminating the epidemic of violence in our country.

Reviews

The mission begins with the recognition that violence is a public health problem, writes physician Rob Gore in his at times harrowing, but always inspiring, book Treating Violence. Gore argues that the violence plaguing impoverished urban communitieswhere the residents tend to be Black or Browncan be managed, like a disease, with thoughtful intervention. Dr. Gore has dedicated much of his life to that task, and his powerful story is its own kind of intervention in that it offers readers hope for a safer, more caring world.
Theresa Brown, RN, author of The Shift and Healing

Urgent and timely. Rob Gore shines a light on what is arguably the most pressing public health issue of our generation. He helps us understand solutions in our communities, without letting our institutions off the hook. A much-needed book for this moment.
Danielle Ofri, MD, PhD, author of When We Do Harm: A Doctor Confronts Medical Error

As a survivor of childhood trauma, I know firsthand the impact of violence on children. This book is critical to understanding the dynamics of trauma and violence that plague our youth. Treating Violence highlights Dr. Gores unrelenting tenacity at attacking this epidemic using data and advocacy, and his daily work on the front lines, combine for a much-needed solution. Our children deserve a life filled with access, opportunity, and belief that empowers them to reach for the stars on their Mission Possible.
Leland Melvin, author of Chasing Space: An Astronauts Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances

This book is a moving testament to the enduring power of compassion and the profound impact one person can have on the lives of many. Dr. Rob Gores story is an inspiring call to action, a reminder that in the face of adversity and violence, there is always hope and there is always a way to make a positive difference. Treating Violence is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the true essence of healing, transformation, and the indomitable strength of the human spirit that can exist throughout our nations emergency departments.
Dr. Nadia Lopez, author of The Bridge to Brilliance: How One Principal in a Tough Community Is Inspiring the World

In this masterful work, Dr. Rob Gore pulls the reader into his world and work while offering rare insight into the ways that violence shows up across lifes journey. Treating Violence is beautifully written, intellectually striking, and as thoughtful as it is informative. From the streets of major cities across the United States to the emergency room and beyond, we bear witness to pain, prevention, and possibility in our collective experience(s) with violence in its different forms.
Christopher Emdin, author of Ratchetdemic and For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood . . . and the Rest of Yall Too

Few community changemakers use as direct an approach to interrupting violence for our youth as Dr. Rob Gore. His deep commitment to healing trauma and addressing social and environmental causes of community decay has literally and figuratively saved many lives, in plain sight. Many, from the affected youth to our elected leaders, can follow Dr. Gores lead on ensuring a more equity and positive future for all.
Sean Rice, principal, High School for Public Service

As we address the critical issue of violence in our communities, Dr. Rob Gores new book amplifies the need to treat violence as a public health issue while providing tactical and transformative practices that can be implemented across the country. This text should be a part of any city or community focused on truly addressing violence with proven interventions and solutions.
Christina Grant, EdD, superintendent of schools, Washington, DC

Author Bio

Rob Gore, MD, is an emergency room physician and community activist. For close to 20 years, he has been exploring and developing programs and solutions that focus on community violence and other disparities affecting urban and global health. He has been named a "CNN Hero" and has been included on the ROOT 100 list. He has been featured on CNN, NBC, ABC BET, and in the New York Times, among others. He has lectured around the U.S, the Caribbean, South America, and Asia, and has worked in East Africa, Haiti, and South America. He currently lives in Brooklyn, NY with his family. Follow him on Instagram (siriema22) and Twitter (drrobgore).