From the Foreword:
Professor Norbert W. Tietz is an icon in the field of Clinical Chemistry and
Laboratory Medicine, where he is known as a scientist, author, editor, educator,
mentor, and colleague. He has made outstanding contributions in several
laboratory related disciplines. The books that he has produced and edited remain
the primary sources of information for many laboratorians, and his
Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry is often affectionately referred to
as “The Bible” of Clinical Chemistry. He is an outstanding individual and a
consummate professional who is respected and admired worldwide.
In reading his autobiography, I was impressed by all of Professor Tietz’s
professional accomplishments. I have known and worked with him for many years
and I have always considered myself fortunate and honored to have met him and to
have had the opportunity to develop a warm, valued, and trusted friendship that
has survived the test of time. What did surprise me when I read the
autobiography was the extraordinary life he led before he applied his many
talents to the practice of clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine. For
example, he also can rightfully claim the titles of accomplished farm hand,
equestrian, mountain hiker and climber, track and field champion, skier,
fraternity leader, and world traveler, as well as beloved father, grandfather,
brother, and son. In addition, given the chaotic, horrific, and often tragic
circumstances of World War II, he also gained the title of glider pilot,
paratrooper, POW, refugee, and maybe the most meaningful descriptor, that of
“survivor.” His life has had many peaks and valleys; but, with his indomitable
drive and spirit for which he is well known, he and his closely knit family
persevered through trying circumstances. In fact, these strong family ties led
to the successful professional careers of the entire family.
In this publication, Professor Tietz has woven the pleasant, rewarding, and
even painful aspects of his life into a very readable and fascinating account of
his life, which I am sure readers will enjoy. I know, I did.
Carl A. Burtis, Ph.D.
Research Staff, Occupational
Medicine
Oakridge National Laboratory
Tietz My Life