2021 Articles

Magical Places 

12/29/2021  

Tucked away in the crevices of the Mountains of Northern NM, under the canopy of the Milky Way Galaxy, a delightful lake fed by a small creek and surrounded by high cliffs awaits the lucky visitor. At night, the sound of the running brook is broken only by an occasional coo of an owl, the jump of a trout, or the rustling of a marmot. Even the wind seldom visits the deep canyon, in fear of disturbing its tranquility.  Its name I will not reveal, as it may spoil it's magic by an influx of people. Such places, however, abound in this blessed world of ours.
 

I've been to many, walking a thousand beaches, canyons, lakes and mountains. The beauty of a fjord, for example, whether in Norway, Canada or Chile, is breathtaking and inspirational. It shows the creator's design of all good things around us. A migrating eagle, crane, starling, or butterfly flying over them, won't - even for an instant - think of claiming them or declaring ownership over them. Rather, they just appreciate the blessing of the nature beneath them. It is only man who feels compelled to take ownership of all he sees. Has it not been for this desire to possess, mankind too would be freer.
 

Still it is a wonderful world, even in this turbulent era of changes.  Let’s hope and pray that it's magic is not lost and that our children will be able to dream of a future full of opportunities awaiting them. Possibilities of becoming a scientist, artist, explorer or a craftsman. Imagine all the Beethovens, Pasteurs, Galileos, Michael Angelos and the like who are waiting to start and get discovered, and how they would add to the richness of us all. As we say goodbye to a chaotic year, let’s work to make the new one, a happy, thriving and healthy time for all humanity.

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A RIDE TO THE EDGE OF POSSIBILITIES 

12/15/2021 

Not long ago, riding an old train through the jungles of Borneo, a family member was reminded of reading the arduous journey of earlier adventurers through those very woods. The dangers involved, and the success rate of finishing the trip unscathed. Yet today, even the relative comfort of watching the world pass by, through the windows of a railway car, seem demanding. We have come a long way in the past two hundred years of human history, and moving ever faster into the future.
 

I was glued to the round black and white TV screen in the 1960s when Allen Shepard - in a space suit - blasted off into his 5-minutes trip to space on a Redstone rocket. That trip took years of training and preparation by Shepard, and millions of dollars of the national budget. Last week Shepard's daughter; Laura Shepard Churchley made the same trip with five others with literally no training and minimal preparation - in the airline type cabin of the Blue Origin.
 

In medicine, too, our advances have been phenomenal. When Dr. Salk developed the polio vaccine, it took him more than ten years of research and development. In contrast, the first vaccine for Covid-19 was ready to use in about a year. Such advances and progress are confusing to many and is used to create political havoc among the people. Unfortunately, the same method of sharing information on the Internet is employed to spread misinformation. The beginnings of most changes are confusing and challenging to mankind, but it will clarify itself in time and what comes of it, is usually lasting. We are at the edge of magnificent changes and revolutions. The next century will propel mankind into a future unimaginable by many. Whether it will be toward a true utopia of possibilities or the chaos of dystopian nightmares is up to us. Guiding civilization in the right path is a task, all mankind needs to undertake now. We can start by basing our own education on scientific facts and protect the resources of our world as we move forward.

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PERCEPTIONS AND EXPECTATIONS 

12/8/2021 

A few years ago, on a cold January morning, a man walked unto the L’Enfant Plaza subway platform in Washington, DC, carrying a violin case. He placed the case on the ground, took out a violin and started playing. Hundreds of people passed by. Some glanced over at him, some listened while waiting for their train. A few dropped coins and money into the open case. He played for about forty-five minutes and then left. He had collected about 30 dollars in coins.
 

Three nights previous to that morning, the same man had played the same piece of music on the same exact violin to a sold-out audience at Boston’s Stately Symphony Hall. Admission tickets were at an average of $150.00.
The man was Joshua Bell; one of the world’s renowned violinists of our time, and the violin, a three and half million-dollar Stradivarius, handmade in 1713. His performance at the subway station in DC was part of a study arranged by The Washington Post. After The Post published the study, the DC people demanded his return and so months later, he returned to DC to play in the main hall of Union Station for a large and engaged audience.
 

Bell says: “When hundreds of people are paying hundreds of dollars to hear him play music that is hundreds of years old. It warrants perfection.” That is what we should feel about performing medicine. The person trusting us with his medical issue needs to see the hundred years of accumulated knowledge of medicine passed on to us by our educators to play magic in treating him or her. That happens by showing a little concern about his or her problem.
 

Today, the pandemic is making many to question our science, our knowledge, and our profession.  The result is taxing our healthcare system, and many of our colleagues are burned out and quitting, adding further to the burden of those staying behind.  Our perception of our patients is that they should trust us, and we expect them to follow our treatment regiment.  But when they show up sick, while denying that which we have been impressing on them, well, one can see how it could vex all sides.  These are challenging times, as many sides seem to have lost faith in each other.  For us to gain back the trust of our patients, our professionalism must shine brightly.

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ONE FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS. 

12/2/2021 

If this pandemic taught us anything, it is the degree to which mankind is willing to act or react to what he does not agree with, regardless of the consequences.
 

A group of servicemen were working on the power lines in our area last week, and they needed to work on our property.  I asked them if they were vaccinated, and they said, no, that they didn't believe in it.  They seemed irritated by my question, so I changed the subject and talked about other things, till we established a quasi sort of relationship.  Then I asked them to educate me on why they didn't believe in the vaccine or the virus.  They began a long and often interrupted - by each other - rambling of their reasons.  Finally, the common single agreed upon motive seemed to be that they didn't like the government mandating vaccination.  I found their reasoning preposterous, if not paradoxical.
In the last century, after numerous wars and conflicts, the UN Charter was established to build conformity of ideas.  Yet the last few years have seen the demise of these principles. It seems that the leaders of our world are intent on dismantling the whole unity of our world, rather than strengthening its accord. The real confusing fact is that these are the very countries that worked so hard to unite us in the first place.
If we are to build a productive future, we have to learn from our history. That however does not seem to be the case.  This quagmire of ideas and the conflicts it creates, sickens many and the confusing messages further bewilder the people.  The resulting effect fills our hospitals, ICUs, clinics and health centers to a point that taxes the very foundation of our profession.  Still, we are asked to be mindful not to add to the disorder and care for our patients, even when their ill is self-inflicted.  But that is what makes us professionals.  Keep up the good work dear colleagues; the history of this era will talk kindly of us.

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Be a doctor to the world! 

11/17/2021 

Oh young doctor, you're needed worldwide
In cities, jungles and islands, so don't hide
 

Though they tell you otherwise, but they be wrong
So call your own shots, stand tall and be strong
 

Soon you'll be older and of your youth, you need to be proud
So follow your own dream and never mind the crowd
 

You wanted to be a doctor since your childhood
So why be a cashier for the local hood
 

All the gold and money won't bring you delight
When you are made tired and driven too hard
 

Joy is waiting in igloos, huts, woods, and mound
Don't wait till you're old to right all the wrong

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For whom we serve - Veterans Day 

11/11/2021 

It's Veterans Day; I am taking the day off
I rose by the sun, and raised the flag and watch it takeoff.
 

Decades ago, it was when I served
Yet it has given me more than I expected.
 

I am an immigrant who served his new country
Where I found purpose, and what gave me harmony.
 

In the asphalt jungles of NY City
I was a faceless stranger, for whom, no one had pity.
 

Then I found camaraderie among other GIs
When I found friends like Joe, Harry, Ken, and other guys.
 

Soon after, I felt belonged, recognized and welcomed
For where I was going, not where I was from.
 

And when I was discharged, honorably and proud
I was an American, with feet on the ground and head in the clouds.
 

Reza Ghadimi
 

I salute all my fellow veterans on this day.  We served our country when it needed us.  Today, our country is hurt by political division, and needs us again.  Let's help it heal by uniting together, solid and unified, hand in hand, and show the doubters that we are one country, united and strong. We will not allow it to be attacked from within or out. We are American, no matter our race, color or origin!

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A comment worth a thousand pictures 

11/3/2021 

Among the many comments and remarks I've been getting on my book was this special one from Dr. Maggie Gunter (Thank You):
 

Hello Reza,
 

I have thought of you a great deal lately, since I have been enjoying reading a few chapters from your superb book every night before I fall asleep! I just finished it!
As a medical sociologist, I appreciate so much your interest in addressing our current problems with health disparities and inadequate health equity among our diverse populations.  
 

You certainly have made an outstanding contribution to medical students, providers, and to all of us—right in the middle of this stressful pandemic we are all living through.  There are so many touching and funny and insightful chapters—and I love your ongoing reminders of the importance of integrating useful modern technology to improve healthcare while never forgetting the central importance of compassion and connecting personally with patients—practicing from the heart, as you so elegantly put it.  It is just amazing that you have practiced in so many diverse settings with people of so many languages and cultures. Those experiences clearly taught you so much about providing compassionate and excellent healthcare!
 

I am so impressed by your writing of this fascinating book.  Bravo!
 

Maggie Gunter, PhD
Sr. Advisor for Population Health and Outcomes Research
SYNCRONYS
Albuquerque, NM
November 2, 2021

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Through the alleyways of life 

10/27/2021 

I came through the alleyways of Shemiran
           The desert, and sand dunes of Pars
                       Reciting Hãfez, Saâdï, and Rumï
 

Through a thousand cities and towns
           I crossed many alleyways and streets
                       Trying not to forget Ferdowsï
 

There are alleyways everywhere in the world
           Some are lined with cobblestones and flowerpots
                       Others reek of poverty and excrement
 

Today, many are hoping for new pathways to walk through
           Mine's been a journey that has taken a lifetime
                       Along the way, I have learned that our lives are molded,
                                   Not by the knowledge that we gain
                                               But by the choices that me make!
 

I've been lucky to find a way out of adversity
           Learn medicine, and serve my fellowman
                       All the while hoping not to forget
                                   The choices that brought me today.
 

So I teach my children and students to be wary of their choices
           For the reason of the roundness of the world
                       Is for the future to stay hidden beyond its curve
                                   Be careful in choosing your options
                                               And hope to walk the alleyways of happiness.
 

Reza Ghadimi
October 2021

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A SOLDIER & A HERO, & A HERO, & A HERO 

10/21/2021 

America lost a great hero this week.  General Colin Powell was the big hero of my generation.  As a veteran, I admired him and his sense of duty to our country and people. As a statesman, he served our nation admirably and without reservation.
 

He was however, even more of a hero to many. To millions of people like myself, he was proof of the worthiness of immigrants and a testimony that they strengthen our nation.  The son of Jamaican immigrants, he grew up loving this country because of what his parents - who appreciated our values - taught him.  That education made him a hero of our nation, not Jamaica, but USA.  So it is that he was a hero in various ways!
 

How do we celebrate the merit of such a hero?  And now that he is gone, how do we remember him?  How do we appreciate what he contributed to our country, our military, our politics, our society, and our sense of values?  Perhaps we can do all of that by just learning and valuing the gift of all our countrymen, no matter their race, origin, or class.  
 

Rest in peace, General Powell, and thank you for all your contributions!

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Of Nobel and other prizes and their need. 

10/14/2021 

The Nobel Prizes were awarded last week. The Pulitzer awarded last June and other prizes throughout the year. Interesting, how new telecommunication tools are playing an important role in achieving many of the science outcomes these days.
 

These modern tools - by revealing the many issues facing our world today in real time, create an urgency to resolving them. They also provide an avenue of cooperation for people near and far, not possible before. Such teamwork from differing arenas helps to accomplish solutions faster, eliminating hesitancy and diffidence. As playwright and novelist Alice Childress whose birthday (10-12-1916) was this week said, "Life is just a short walk from the cradle to the grave, and it sure behooves us to be kind to one another along the way."
 

Lack of contacts and collaborations can however, add to many of our problems. For, as Eleanor Roosevelt, whose birthday (10-14-1884) was also this week said, "We have to face the fact that either all of us are going to die together or we are going to learn to live together and if we are to live together, we have to talk …”
 

Just as in medicine, a closed wound can fester into an alarming infection, while a surgeon's knife opening it will drain and heal it. Prizes and awards encourage dialogue and discourse, solving problems. While secrecy and reticence aggravate to misunderstandings and conflict.

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AUTUMN MARIACHI 

10/6/2021 

Fall is now well advanced and the foliage on the mountain side sings in the golden colors of autumn.  State Fairs show off the toil of summer.  School Homecomings have everyone hooting and hollering about their team. Everyone is a winner by just celebrating.
 

In my home state of New Mexico, it's Balloon Fiesta time and hundreds of balloonists from around the world gather to show off their flying talent and colorful balloons. The Fiesta was cancelled last year due to Covid, so this year it's warmly welcomed.
 

In the streets, the aroma of roasting green chili peppers fill the air and people making an attempt to meet, greet, and interact one last time before shutting in for the winter.
 

I am stopped by the music of mariachi:
Voz de la guitarra mía al despertar la mañana
Quiere cantar su alegría a mi tierra Nuevo Mexicana
Yo le canto a tus volcanes, a tus praderas y flores …
 

For those who are of Latin heritage or have spent any time in Latin America, listening to the music of the mariachi horns is a nostalgic journey.  What a beautiful world we live in and if it was not for polarizing politics, it would be pleasing to everyone.
 

It's fall time and as we shut our doors to the coming cold, let's also shut it to all the hatred, bigotry and polarizing discourse.  So when the voice of our guitars wake us tomorrow morning, it would be to the joy of a peaceful and healthy world. As healthcare providers, we have the power to greatly contribute to the health and beauty of this world. Let us be the leaders in this revolution and endeavor.

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PROGENIES OF ADAM 

9/29/2021 

Progenies of Adam are of one family. For, in their inception, are of one seed (Persian Poet: Saadï Shïrãzï - circa 13th century).
 

This week, the United Nations General Assembly is meeting in New York. Leaders of the world nations are there making their pleas, concerns, and wishes known to everyone else. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the number one issue on their agenda is healthcare and the disparity of its delivery. It is obvious that race and nationality play a big role in this disparity.
 

As the refugee crisis moves and mixes races everywhere, the question of how to deal with it becomes ever more acute. However, with population increasing at the present rate, the human race will become heterogeneous no matter what the obstacles. So branding, segregating, or isolating them or ourselves will matter not! The sooner we get a grasp of this reality, the better the outcome will be. To achieve that, takes work and requires tolerance and acceptance.
 

Actor, Morgan Freeman, was asked in an interview on how we should deal with the problem of race? "To start with", he said, "you can stop calling me a black man."
In one of his performances, comedian, Gabriel 'Fluffy' Iglesias, said: "People always call me fat Mexican. It wasn't till I was performing in Arabia, that I was called an American."
 

German president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, addressing the UN General Assembly in New York last week, said: "In blaming others, we have to remember that when we point a finger at others, the other fingers of our hand are pointing back at ourselves".
 

We are all children of the creator. Our race, color, or ethnicity is irrelevant. Not until we appreciate this fact will we be totally free.

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