Oh that I could help!

I have been captivated by the news coverage of the suffering in Haiti. I have particularly enjoyed CNN's coverage of the disaster. They've placed many of their most talented reporters right in the heart of the suffering. On of their correspondants-Dr. Sanjay Gupta-has further kindled my desires to become a medical doctor. Dr. Gupta's primary reason for being in the earthquake zone is to report to the rest of us the conditions that the Hatians are facing. However, as he has covered the news his skills as a doctor have been utilized and needed. Just tonight he became the only doctor at a medical outpost after the UN ordered all of the doctors and nurses to abandon their patients due to security concerns. Suddenly he was the only person taking care of 25 patients, many of them critical. I think it would be so amazing to be able to offer that kind of aid! I would love to rush into a disaster situation and be able to use my talents and skills to bless and help others. My thoughts and prayers go out to the poor people of that nation and those who are expending their emotional reserves to aid them.

The Legacy of Kelly Stoker

Recently I began shadowing Physicians in preparation for medical school. It's fun! One of the experiences I was really looking forward to was being able to shadow our ENT doc, Kelly Stoker. He'd always been really nice to our family and agreed to let me follow him sometime. Unfortunately, I never got the chance. He passed away on Christmas Eve due to injuries sustained in an ATV accident. His passing has left a far bigger impact on my life than shadowing him ever could have. I watched in awe as literally an entire county mourned his loss. Nearly all who knew him felt like they were his friend. He touched thousands upon thousands of hearts. I could repeat story after story that I've heard about how he uplifted and helped those who came to see him. Over 1100 seats were set up for his funeral. In attendance were several very prominent members of the community, state, and nation. This one man left a bigger hole by his passing than pretty much anyone I have ever known. As I observed all of this I realized the significant impact a doctor can have on the lives of those he interacts with. I had begun to be enticed back to the prospect of becoming a PA (it is much easier to get accepted to PA schools now-a-days), but after seeing the degree to which this man influenced the lives of those around him for the better I was inspired to keep MD in my sites. Thank you Dr. Stoker, for improving and shaping lives even after your passing.