John, thanks! You need to send me links to your author page and I'll put it in a post! I appreciate the input. I'm considering a sub-newsletter here on faith matters. I think there's so much important intersection between faith and medicine. Have a great day!
Tom Combs here. I have appreciated your communication and representation of emergency medicine for many years. You are a voice that is needed and I respect your ongoing contribution(s).
I retired from emergency medicine in 2008 after an acute medical event. I have made a fortunate recovery but not one that allowed me to return to my work in the ER. Subsequent years have involved me becoming more expert on the receiving end of medical care.
My new found passion is medical thriller writing. I released the 4th in my series last summer. (Link at end…delete if inclined).
Like my main character the values of my religious upbringing are at my core though both of us find our faith challenged at times. Many of my bad guy or gal characters are amoral or worse. I support good winning in the end. ER personnel and action are a central element of all my books.
Keep up the good work and thank you for your ongoing good heartedness and sage communication.
Sorry for the tardy response to this. I attended the Minnesota Book Awards as a finalist last week. I came home with the booby prize… Covid (doing OK).
Kate Volle, FNP. Christ Follower. Proud wife to a wonderful man and mom to an enthusiastic toddler. I practice in primary care. Prior to becoming a NP, I was a critical care nurse. I grew up in rural America and while I am not currently working in a rural practice, my passion is rural health care. I view work as a ministry and truly believe that I am called to care. I too am interested in the intersection of faith and medicine and authentically living out faith and the calling we have received as Christ followers.
Kate, thanks for joining the discussion! Sorry for the delay, back at work in rural Emergistan. I'm happy to hear about your commitment to living your faith in your work. It really is a ministry and I think of rural care in some ways as a mission field. I appreciate the time you took to comment. Have a great day!
One of the first EMTs in Jackson MS, longtime out of that field
I have 2 sons and d-i-l in medicine.
Son #1 Surgical Assistant, his wife surgical nurse, #2 Cardiovascular tech and rep for Abbott Peripheral Stents.
I keep up to date on healthcare as much as possible.
My first ER doc was a M*A*S*H doc from Korean war era. Dr. J was a great man that taught me more than I could have ever imagined, from simple suturing to intubation. One of the most important lessons was compassion!
I realized long ago that God gave me a spirit of calm in crisis. I may break down in private afterwards, but throughout my life, I've had peace in the midst of turmoil.
Interesting fact: Just a few years ago, I witnessed a collision on interstate, stopped to assist. All my past experience took over and I went to work. I had 3 patrolmen taking instruction from me that didn't know me from dirt. Amazing how the "muscle memory" just kicks in!
My life has taken many directions in self-employment. From medical sales to real estate. As a photographer, when a "Santa" didn't show up, I moved from behind the camera to the red suit, not knowing God was grooming me for an unusual ministry. I've now been a professional Santa for over 30 years and Lord willing will serve many more.
Currently in Nashville but moving to Louisville KY soon to be near a 1 y/o granddaughter.... she needs her Papa to spoil her more.
I write occasionally for Christian publications and am working on a book (isn't everyone!)
Went into Heart Failure 6 yrs ago, but through a lifestyle change, my EF is back to 55-60 from 15 when in crisis.
My passion is discipleship. We need to get people out of the pews and into true discipleship.
You, Dr. Edwin are a great example of reflecting Christ in all that you do.
As a portrayer of Santa/St Nick, I've learned that God gives each of us a unique responsibility to serve.
Had the opportunity to travel to Johannesburg S.A. & Swaziland and teach pastors in a conference and plan to return soon.
Like Dr. Robinson, I have a great interest in apologetics and today's culture.
Durward, thank you so much for your input! I've always joked that I love children and toys and hope to retire as Santa. And you're living the dream. It's funny the MASH angle. I was heavily influenced by the show, oddly enough. My dad was a Vietnam vet and somehow that, plus my mother a nurse and my love of history combined with Alan Alda's wit and the compassion on the show and I just ended up in emergency medicine. Also spent time as an ANG and USAFR flight surgeon. (First major was journalism...) Thank you so much for the kind word and for continuing to evolve and serve in new ways rather than simply deciding to stop. I'm inspired by your story! (See my comment to Diane below.) Clearly God isn't done with you; I mean, going from EF of 15-55/60 is awesome! Please continue to stay in touch. And if you want to send a link to your writing, please do! I haven't gotten around to putting up John's but I will, and will for yours as well. Blessings brother!
Nothing in the above list is a surprise to you, my friend, former co-worker, and FB/IG friend. What you may not know is that for the past two years I have been in seminary. I have semi-retired as an RT and expect to be licensed as a minister in the Wesleyan Church this summer. I am starting a second career as a 'young' 65 year old by serving our church and community as a care pastor, specifically visiting those in hospitals and hospices. Most pastors are not comfortable in a hospital; however, I have spent my adult life working with critically ill, chronically ill, dying patients in the ED's and ICU's, so I know a little something about dealing with sickness and death. I want to use this clinical experience to minister to patients and their families, often during the last weeks/days/hours of their lives. I'm honored that God has placed this call on my life and I pray he will always be glorified!
I'm passionate about people using their skills in retirement to serve. I'm not saying everyone should go back to school and start a second career, but there are so many ways to serve in the church and the community, using knowledge and skills from the workplace. Retired attorneys could offer free services to help people prepare a will. Tax accountants could prepare taxes for single parents. Retired mechanics could offer labor free car maintenance/repairs to the elderly. The list is literally endless.
Several people have told me how inspired they are by my story, so my friend, if you are also inspired please feel free to share and maybe others will be inspired too!
Diane, I am so excited for you and proud of you! I've noticed over the years that many hospitals have less and less presence of chaplaincy. My dad was a pastor and spent call rotations in the local trauma center. It can be so remarkably helpful to people to have access to a pastor/chaplain! I know you'll be wonderful in this role. Keep me posted! Thank you for sharing this with us I've been intrigued by the idea of continued relevance as we age. There is no place in the Bible that uses the word 'retirement.' I think it's a tragedy that believers decide it isn't necessary to continue to serve once they reach a certain age and can 'just relax.' And what Durward said is true as well. Many pastors just don't feel at home in the hospital setting.
Diane, I agree with you! So many pastors are great preachers and teachers but are uncomfortable with other aspects of ministry. Unfortunately the average church member depends on the pastor to be everything. And, too many unqualified pastors try to handle marriage and family counseling as well.
John Galt Robinson
Published author adult suspense thriller novels
Board certified Emergency Medicine Physician
Former Certified Athletic Trainer
Follower of Christ
Originally from Grand Island, NY grew up just upriver from Niagara Falls
Live and practice in South Carolina
Married, three adult children
Avid reader/writer, sailing, golf and triathlon
Very interested and studying Christian apologetics and the role of Christians in today’s culture
John, thanks! You need to send me links to your author page and I'll put it in a post! I appreciate the input. I'm considering a sub-newsletter here on faith matters. I think there's so much important intersection between faith and medicine. Have a great day!
Thanks Edwin!
https://www.amazon.com/John-Galt-Robinson/e/B09SGR5S4D?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1651023309&sr=8-1
Edwin -
Tom Combs here. I have appreciated your communication and representation of emergency medicine for many years. You are a voice that is needed and I respect your ongoing contribution(s).
I retired from emergency medicine in 2008 after an acute medical event. I have made a fortunate recovery but not one that allowed me to return to my work in the ER. Subsequent years have involved me becoming more expert on the receiving end of medical care.
My new found passion is medical thriller writing. I released the 4th in my series last summer. (Link at end…delete if inclined).
Like my main character the values of my religious upbringing are at my core though both of us find our faith challenged at times. Many of my bad guy or gal characters are amoral or worse. I support good winning in the end. ER personnel and action are a central element of all my books.
Keep up the good work and thank you for your ongoing good heartedness and sage communication.
Sorry for the tardy response to this. I attended the Minnesota Book Awards as a finalist last week. I came home with the booby prize… Covid (doing OK).
https://www.amazon.com/Tom-Combs/e/B00KZNUGTM
Kate Volle, FNP. Christ Follower. Proud wife to a wonderful man and mom to an enthusiastic toddler. I practice in primary care. Prior to becoming a NP, I was a critical care nurse. I grew up in rural America and while I am not currently working in a rural practice, my passion is rural health care. I view work as a ministry and truly believe that I am called to care. I too am interested in the intersection of faith and medicine and authentically living out faith and the calling we have received as Christ followers.
Kate, thanks for joining the discussion! Sorry for the delay, back at work in rural Emergistan. I'm happy to hear about your commitment to living your faith in your work. It really is a ministry and I think of rural care in some ways as a mission field. I appreciate the time you took to comment. Have a great day!
Durward "Santa" Blanks
Married 46 years with 2 sons.
Semi-retired
Christian Life/Relationship Coach
Professional Santa Claus
One of the first EMTs in Jackson MS, longtime out of that field
I have 2 sons and d-i-l in medicine.
Son #1 Surgical Assistant, his wife surgical nurse, #2 Cardiovascular tech and rep for Abbott Peripheral Stents.
I keep up to date on healthcare as much as possible.
My first ER doc was a M*A*S*H doc from Korean war era. Dr. J was a great man that taught me more than I could have ever imagined, from simple suturing to intubation. One of the most important lessons was compassion!
I realized long ago that God gave me a spirit of calm in crisis. I may break down in private afterwards, but throughout my life, I've had peace in the midst of turmoil.
Interesting fact: Just a few years ago, I witnessed a collision on interstate, stopped to assist. All my past experience took over and I went to work. I had 3 patrolmen taking instruction from me that didn't know me from dirt. Amazing how the "muscle memory" just kicks in!
My life has taken many directions in self-employment. From medical sales to real estate. As a photographer, when a "Santa" didn't show up, I moved from behind the camera to the red suit, not knowing God was grooming me for an unusual ministry. I've now been a professional Santa for over 30 years and Lord willing will serve many more.
Currently in Nashville but moving to Louisville KY soon to be near a 1 y/o granddaughter.... she needs her Papa to spoil her more.
I write occasionally for Christian publications and am working on a book (isn't everyone!)
Went into Heart Failure 6 yrs ago, but through a lifestyle change, my EF is back to 55-60 from 15 when in crisis.
My passion is discipleship. We need to get people out of the pews and into true discipleship.
You, Dr. Edwin are a great example of reflecting Christ in all that you do.
As a portrayer of Santa/St Nick, I've learned that God gives each of us a unique responsibility to serve.
Had the opportunity to travel to Johannesburg S.A. & Swaziland and teach pastors in a conference and plan to return soon.
Like Dr. Robinson, I have a great interest in apologetics and today's culture.
Durward, thank you so much for your input! I've always joked that I love children and toys and hope to retire as Santa. And you're living the dream. It's funny the MASH angle. I was heavily influenced by the show, oddly enough. My dad was a Vietnam vet and somehow that, plus my mother a nurse and my love of history combined with Alan Alda's wit and the compassion on the show and I just ended up in emergency medicine. Also spent time as an ANG and USAFR flight surgeon. (First major was journalism...) Thank you so much for the kind word and for continuing to evolve and serve in new ways rather than simply deciding to stop. I'm inspired by your story! (See my comment to Diane below.) Clearly God isn't done with you; I mean, going from EF of 15-55/60 is awesome! Please continue to stay in touch. And if you want to send a link to your writing, please do! I haven't gotten around to putting up John's but I will, and will for yours as well. Blessings brother!
Diane Mann
Christ follower
Wife and mom
Avid reader
Lifelong native of upstate SC
Respiratory Therapist - 45 years this month
Nothing in the above list is a surprise to you, my friend, former co-worker, and FB/IG friend. What you may not know is that for the past two years I have been in seminary. I have semi-retired as an RT and expect to be licensed as a minister in the Wesleyan Church this summer. I am starting a second career as a 'young' 65 year old by serving our church and community as a care pastor, specifically visiting those in hospitals and hospices. Most pastors are not comfortable in a hospital; however, I have spent my adult life working with critically ill, chronically ill, dying patients in the ED's and ICU's, so I know a little something about dealing with sickness and death. I want to use this clinical experience to minister to patients and their families, often during the last weeks/days/hours of their lives. I'm honored that God has placed this call on my life and I pray he will always be glorified!
I'm passionate about people using their skills in retirement to serve. I'm not saying everyone should go back to school and start a second career, but there are so many ways to serve in the church and the community, using knowledge and skills from the workplace. Retired attorneys could offer free services to help people prepare a will. Tax accountants could prepare taxes for single parents. Retired mechanics could offer labor free car maintenance/repairs to the elderly. The list is literally endless.
Several people have told me how inspired they are by my story, so my friend, if you are also inspired please feel free to share and maybe others will be inspired too!
Diane, I am so excited for you and proud of you! I've noticed over the years that many hospitals have less and less presence of chaplaincy. My dad was a pastor and spent call rotations in the local trauma center. It can be so remarkably helpful to people to have access to a pastor/chaplain! I know you'll be wonderful in this role. Keep me posted! Thank you for sharing this with us I've been intrigued by the idea of continued relevance as we age. There is no place in the Bible that uses the word 'retirement.' I think it's a tragedy that believers decide it isn't necessary to continue to serve once they reach a certain age and can 'just relax.' And what Durward said is true as well. Many pastors just don't feel at home in the hospital setting.
Diane, I agree with you! So many pastors are great preachers and teachers but are uncomfortable with other aspects of ministry. Unfortunately the average church member depends on the pastor to be everything. And, too many unqualified pastors try to handle marriage and family counseling as well.
I'm going to msg you on fb, if you don't mind.