Joseph William Rucker Jr., MD is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, U.S. Army veteran, and author of One Pocket, a memoir about resilience, race, family, perseverance, and overcoming adversity.
About the Book
One Pocket is a memoir of resilience, race, family, and the American experience. Spanning childhood during the Jim Crow era, military service during the Vietnam War, and an unlikely journey to becoming a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Joseph William Rucker Jr. shares a story about adversity, character, perseverance, and the power to shape one’s own future.
Book Cover
Book cover image available for media and promotional use.
Media Coverage
Finding Purpose in Patient Care After a Wartime Injury
KevinMD.com | August 18, 2026
In this excerpt from One Pocket, Dr. Joseph Rucker reflects on caring for wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the experience that helped shape his decision to pursue a career in medicine.
The Assignment I Didn’t Choose
The Havok Journal | August 11, 2026
In this excerpt from One Pocket, Dr. Joseph Rucker recounts his unexpected Army assignment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and how caring for a severely wounded Vietnam veteran helped shape his decision to pursue medicine and reconstructive surgery.
Reviews & Praise
One Pocket has received enthusiastic reader and editorial reviews highlighting its themes of resilience, family, perseverance, and personal growth.
Purchase Links
Purchase One Pocket through major online retailers.
Contact
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