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Reflections on medicine
It was in rural Indiana that my dad, a fresh-faced Syrian immigrant with ambitions for the land of opportunity, settled down and began practicing medicine. There, among cornfields and winding railroads, I was raised with all the incomparable charm and hospitality of small town America. I have countless memories of encountering my dad’s patients at the local grocery store or library, where they would greet us with the kindness, warmth, and enthusiasm of close friends. Undoubtedly, my dad’s position as a doctor allowed these meaningful connections to flourish. One experience in particular encapsulates the strength of his relationship with the community. When it was finally time for us to move away, his hospital organized a going-away party where many of his patients were in attendance. I will never forget the moment when, as a 10 year old boy, one of his patients came up to me and expressed his gratitude: “Your dad has done so much good. He’s helped me and everyone else in this room.” Simple as his words were, they reflected the strong impact that my dad’s diligent and compassionate service made on those around him.
My family’s seamless integration into our community is a testament to medicine’s ability to bring people together. Make no…
