Politricks as usual

Watching the various news networks, it makes me glad I chose the path of medicine. I feel that while there is a lot of controversy in regards to research, and health care reform; the overall field is still held with high approval of the public whom we serve. The political arena which dominates most of our daily lives whether we like it or not truly disgust me. Not because of any particular party affiliation. But rather that one party is more interested in crushing the other party under its heel and winning versus what they were originally intended to do, which was govern and lead. Now I am not accusing all politicians of low-level bickering, but clearly the only true consensus that can be attained is that there is no consensus. Only needless quarreling, lying and anger seems to be in order. Honestly, that disturbs me deeply. With such anger it is hard to see the light at the end of this dark tunnel. In addition the anger blots out the good that has been accomplished: better access to health care for everyone, preventing the jobless rate from jumping to above 10 or 12 percent, financial reform so no more Madoffs make off with people's fortunes, allowing Ford, an American giant, to re-stabilize and grow. And most importantly trying to an end a war that had no business starting off in the first place and ruining so many American's lives. And yet and still people argue about the man at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave is not doing enough or nothing at all. And yet there are those dissident voices crying out to take the country back. Back to where exactly? Back to the era of women's suffrage and open-racial inequality? Back to the plantations? Or just back from the one man who got elected less than two years ago, who is leading this ship through turmoil that the previous leader led us into? Let's face it America, the country went down hill in 8 years, that means it will take at least a minimum of 8 years to fully right-itself and not 1.75.

I'm not happy either. I don't believe anyone is, but progress has been made and if we continue to move forward together we will get there. It wont happen over night, it may take 10 years. But America has to be patient and focus on building from the ground up. We must strengthen the nucleus of the country, the family unit. If the family is stable the schools can become more stable, and we can demand better of our government for our educations and strengthen our middle-class. The middle class is the core and true power of the American economy. With the middle class stabilized and growing, so will the rest of the nation for as goes the middle class so goes the nation.

In the end, whether we like the president or not, lets try to lay down foolish notions aside that are distracting from the real issues, i.e. birth certificates. Because the more we fight about nonsense and lie, stasis equals death, the less we are accomplishing and the more stagnant we will be, and watch China and India surpass us. Lets focus on the problems of ending America's never ending wars and rebuild and strengthen our home, protect our borders, take better care of our servicemen and women and veterans, provided better quality teachers, facilities and resources in our public schools and move the country forward into a brighter future. Right wing, left wing, middle, independent, tea party who the hell cares? We all want the same things. Enough of the bullshit, lets work together.

Diary of Medical Student pt 1

*Whew*....It has been a LONG time since I have been back on here. I am happy still remembered my password. But I digress, Life updates: I have recently survived my first term of medical school (WAHOO!!!) I have learned a great deal both medically related and personally. I have a new family and I am truly blessed to meet so many different people who all have a passion to make an impact in health care.

Med school teaches us a lot clinically, academically, socially, professionally etc... However I feel my greatest challenge is time. Never enough of it. Classes, studying, working out, spending time with loved ones outside of school, spend time with my med school family, etc. And when I complain a classmate reminded me that there are 6,000 people who would trade me their best day not in medical school for my worst day in medical school. I am truly grateful for the opportunity and when I am tired and want to complain about there is not enough time I remember I have the same 24 hour clock that Dr. Charles R. Drew had, the same 24 hours that Einstein had. So if they could make due with a 24hour day so can I.

I have two main goals for the rest of my first year. First to remember the things that I enjoy and do those. Second, organize my time more and allow myself time to accomplish my goals for each day. That being said, I plan on starting up my blog full force again.

After that long digression, I want to start up this holiday season with, "What are you thankful for this year?" I am thankful for more than I can address into this blog. But I am thankful for everyone and everything in my life, the ups and downs, the good the bad, and all the challenges that come along with the path of my life. I hope that you and your family have a blessed Thanksgiving. Thanks for reading.

Remember Work like everything depends on you. Pray like everything depends on God.

-- Doc Q

Standing on the shoulders of giants

I stand on the shoulders of giants. I recently have been accepted into medical school in Philadelphia PA (PCOM). I am truly grateful for the opportunity and looking forward to the challenge. And while I have worked hard to get to this point, I did not make it on my own. I had an army of family, friends, mentors, teachers all who supported me and helped me. But foremost, I had GOD who made this all possible. Without Him, I am nothing, and through Him I will become a great physician.

I stand on the shoulders of giants. My grandfather, whose name I am honored to have, Luther II, who was the son of a sharecropper in Virginia, whose grand parents were slaves. He did not complete the 5th grade but sowed seeds in his children in the value of hard work and education. I reaped the benefit of those principles from my father, Luther III, who earned his college degree. He became one of the first black air traffic controller. His perseverance during the civil rights era, inspires me today, and reminds me I really should not complain when faced with trials and tribulations.

My maternal grandfather, who from my infancy spoke the word into me, that I will become a physician. I guess he knew better than I did back then. But I digress, he is one of my greatest inspirations. He was a Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, he and his fellow airmen helped lead the way for armed forces desegregating.

I am the hope and the dream of the slaves. I stand on the shoulders of these giants and I am blessed to have a strong foundation and from there I will stand tall. Uplifting those who are coming after me.

Work like everything depends on you, pray like everything depends on God. You will not fail.

Big Oil

So before I jet off for a vacation I had to get this off my chest...

I am sure as many of you have already heard that there is a massive amount of oil spilling out into the Gulf of Mexico which is harming a lot of wild life and many different states' industries in fishing and tourism. Overall everyone can pretty much agree that this is a MAJOR problem. Thank you BP!!! (giving them the middle finger)

But honestly, the lackadaisical attitude portrayed by the CEO Tony Hayward is really insulting. At first BP wants to place the blame on the company that was operating the oil rig. Honestly, BP it is your rig, you are responsible. Where did the basics of home training stop applying to real life? Spill your drink, get some paper towel and clean it up or use a mop if necessary.

I think the US should ban or boycott BP. Why? Because this will get their attention, the main way to hurt a company is remove its biggest buyer so it will hit them where it hurts, their wallets! So while it may be futile, as for right now I am not buying BP gas. I hope others follow suit.

Recognize Im Baaaaaaaaaacccccckkkkkk!!!!

I know I know I know...WHERE HAVE I BEEN??? Well lemme start. First up, had a med school interview with a school here in Philadelphia. It went well and they seemed to like me. But, they needed me to retake the admissions test. So I took five weeks and put my everything into it. Still feel unsure about it but whatever! I did all I could do in the time I was given. Second, Thesis, Thesis, and more Thesis! I finally truly understand what all my friends at Hampton went through, stressed out about it, cried about it, drive them to drink over it, wanted to jump off the top of S&T. Yeah I get it now. Third, just trying to graduate! So on top of the testing and the thesis, I still managed to pull out 2As and 4Bs, and I'm not gonna lie, I probably could have pulled a couple more A's if I didn't have the other things to contest with but eh, I made it! So whats next? My Heavenly Father willing I will be in med school in fall 2010 and enter into a whole new type of mental abuse and punishment (which of course anyone who wants to be in med school is a glutton for punishment anyways).

But I digress...BIG SHOUT OUT TO MY HOME BY THE SEA! HAMPTON CLASS OF 2010! It was a good look having President Obama giving the commencement speech. And while we celebrate and enjoy having someone in the White House who looks like us, our jobs as graduates of HBCUs is far from done. Class of 2010 enjoy your moment and your summer. Because afterwards the real work begins. Whether its grad school, starting your career or own business, its a grind and the world is not going to give it to you. You have to take it. And you have to believe in your vision when no one else will and don't let anyone stop you. Remember you represent our Hampton and you represent us as a people. Yeah I know we are all individuals and it is unfortunate that we all get pinned together when one messes up. But as future leaders and people with degrees we have the responsibility to lead, set an example and to remain humble; so that we can be the shoulders that next generation stands upon. Yeah I know I sound all nice, warm and fuzzy but honestly, if we do not step up, if we do not help others, and ignore our own, then we better shut the hell up when shit goes awry! And not look to God and ask him 'why?' when we can make the difference here. Class of 2010 you have the tools and the knowledge, you may stumble and fall, but you have the strength to get up and keep going.

But I digress...I ask for your prayers. My mother is undergoing surgery on her foot to replace a torn tendon. I am going home for about six weeks or so to help out and do whatever I can around the house for the folks. So in July look for me in Duval! Aight I am outta here! But I leave you with this, enjoy your victories and prepare yourself for the storm that is heading your way.

On to the Next One~

Lesson of the Day

I know I have not blogged in awhile. Been really busy with school. But starting in May I should have more time to blog. Anyway I digress, today's lesson is the 8th Commandment...

Today I heard news that a husband caught the man his wife was having an affair with. The husband threw the man in front of a subway! The man did not die. However he did have both of his legs severed. So was it worth it? I don't think so. Lesson of the Day 8th Commandment... "Do not commit adultery"...or else you could get your legs cut off. I guess God had a point there.

Ok! Now back to the books!

Work like everything depends on you, Pray like it all depends on God. You will never fall short.

- Doc Q

Why "I like You" Wont work...

I was having a long online chat with a class mate of mine, (Shout to Ms. Padilla!) and we were discussing the ever complex and consistently analyzed subject of men approaching women, dating, etc...

So she asked me, why cant dudes be straight up and say "I like you"? Wouldn't everything just be easier? Yes I agree. But lets be honest, how many girls actually respond to the "I like you" line, my calculations lead me to say .01% would respond to that line.

So why guys cant just walk up and say i like you to a girl? That is a long and complicated answer, but luckily I had an annotated version... Way back in the day when Jimmy tried to tell Susie I like you and/or gave her a note with the boxes check one for yes, one for no and one for maybe. Susie did what girls often do, they tell their girlfriends. They all laughed and talked about it maybe even called him lame. Susie stomped on lil Jimmy's heart. Jimmy was hurt like anyone would be and he vowed he would not make the same mistake again. Later in life Jimmy became James. James has swagger, he has game, and no he won't come out and directly say "I like you" up front because he knows it won't work. So what does James do? Runs game. Why? Women respond to game instead of the simple "I like you" up front. Trust me...guys will not work that hard if they did not have too. If a simple "I like you" up front would work and get a woman's attention more guys would try it.

Keeping the Faith

Today, I was walking with one of my good friends and he and I were discussing our current situation. We are both ending our time at Drexel University and earning our Master's Degrees in May. While we are equally excited, we are both met with the fear of not having a next step. He and I are currently waiting to hear back from our respective schools of choice but have not received anything other than rejection notices from various schools. While rejection does hurt it will not derail our dream.

But it is frustrating to wait and hear nothing while the days pass and you hear about others getting their acceptances. My friend began to feel as though it was 'game over' if he did not get in. I understand his frustration but I refused to share his doubt. I encouraged him that we can and will be able to make it into school. And that while we are unsure of what the next step is, we will become two of the greatest doctors the world has ever known! So while I wait I will not be idle. However, I am thinking about what else can I learn, how I can grow and perhaps it is God telling me that I need more time to grow or there are somethings I should do first. I know that I will keep my faith, and while there will be hard times to face (which is hard to imagine facing anything harder than thesis, med school and boards) I have peace in knowing that God is on my side. My pastor once quoted the Bible and said, "A weapon formed shall not be able to prosper..." But he also declared that the weapon will get formed but it will not destroy us (Shout out to Bishop McKissick Jr and the Bethel family!). So with that in mind I will keep my faith and keep moving forward. Working like everything depends on me, Praying like everything depends on God.

Ill end on this...

"Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything....Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
James 1:2-4,12

Doc Q

The Root of all Evil

Today I read two intriguing and thought provoking articles. The first was about a former classmate of mine from my undergraduate university. He had a an opportunity to make money with his small one man travel business. He was set to make a nice commission on a trip he planned for a group of students. However, he wanted more. He decided to take the money and invest it. His investment didn't pay off and he panicked. Which is understandable but he allowed his one bad decision to fuel more bad decisions leading to wire and credit fraud. That lead to him ending up on a federal indictment and being sentenced to 33 months in a Federal Penitentiary. It is sad to see a young man go through this and end up with a record. I do hope he is able to turn his life around and make something better of himself. But what caused him to do this? The love of money. The hunger for more and more money. Greed, the love of money is the root of all evil. While I am sure this young man did not intend to do wrong, he allowed the love of money to blind him and make poor choices.

The other story I read was about a man who was a multi-millionaire who started out with very poor beginnings. He spent a good portion of his life in pursuit of material things. He realized that his possessions and money did not make him happy. He realized what many of us fail to realize, is that money does not buy happiness. So he is giving away every last cent and going to live out a simple life at a bed and breakfast. He is in pursuit of something that money can't buy, which is peace of mind and true inner happiness. I believe his philosophy is something we all can learn from.

Black Films

So why do most of the black films, with the exception of a few, contain drug and gangsta themes? Do we not have more to offer the cinema industry? Or is that all that will be associated with black films? Again, I know this is not ALL black films, i.e. Tyler Perry's productions, Spike Lee Joint. However, is this how we truly envision ourselves? A society of hoodlums? Or is that all that Hollywood wants to show? I believe the latter personally. I am pleased that black actors and actresses are getting better roles and better films. But it still bothers me that out of all the films Denzel Washington has done(42 films to be exact). He had only received an Oscar for Training Day, which in my opinion was not his best work. But I am glad he won (he also won best supporting actor for Glory).

I want to see black films grow and put up over a hundred million box office figures. I just do not want it to be for portraying negative actions. If we want negative stereotypes of blacks we can watch Fox News. I believe that black films will continue to grow and we will have more quality films. But only time will tell.

Ethics?

I am feeling a bit philosophical today. It is in part due to the new ethics courses I am taking this semester. It is interesting or better yet intriguing to hear various people from various backgrounds debate and discuss ethical issues concerning the world of science/medicine. What I have learned on the whole, we all are somewhat agreeable to broad ideals of "Do the Right Thing" (shout out to Mr. Lee). However, there are issues or circumstances in which people have firm unwavering stances. For example someone may feel that stray animals should be euthanized because their existence is too miserable? But then again are we to judge? Or is it a cruel life for them? I believe the life of stray cat or dog is indeed hard and they need to be cared for. But who are we to judge that they are unfit to live? What if we were to do the same with homeless people? I think there would be outrage. I certainly would be. But I digress…ethics…what is it? And how come it is not until AFTER we hear about a tragedy or some wrong doing that we bring up the "ethics of the matter"? I just find it disturbingly amusing that nobody raises any ethical concerns before the shit hits the fan? (i.e. Wall Street's corrupt business practices that landed us in a wonderful recession). Perhaps that would require doing the "uncool" and "unpopular" thing of going against the popular trend. But when the world is heading towards a cliff, someone should shout watch out or something.

Another point I am beginning to learn, is that the details within these broad "good" ideals are indeed the stumbling blocks; such as logistics, financial, practicality, etc. And that is where the debate begins. And these stumbling blocks can grow into road blocks, which then nothing we be accomplished. Whether it be someone who is unwilling to listen, or compromise; or someone who will take an opposing stance just out of spite or hatred (i.e. Rush Limbaugh hates everything Obama ever does). The essentials of ethics seem to stand on the overall basic ideal that doing the right thing, is indeed the right thing. Then we must ask what is the right thing? And are we doing it? If not, why?

Work Like Everything Depends on You. Pray Like Everything Depends on God.

- Doc Q