Notes on life, philosophy, and medicine

We are in the middle of reforming healthcare in our own little way, we are starting a cash pay service for medicine consults.  I cannot wait to see how it evolves, whether is flounders or flourishes. At the end of the day, I hope the message is clear, that medicine belongs to everyone. Our ability to heal one another with 1000 year old traditions or through a smile or through the latest innovations is not sustainable unless we empower one another or remind people of all they can learn from the generations before them... I'm not good with anecdotes or story telling but I would like to share a brief story and how to this day, I wish I had asked... It was well over 20 years ago, by then my grandfather had probably been in this country for about 15 years or so. I don't know much about his story except for he was a police officer in southern Vietnam and a photographer if not by trade, than certainly a passionate pursuit. Early on after their move to the US, from the wreckage left by

these words, written and spoken by one man  that is reflected in the generations and ideas of many before him  to be still  feel the presence  to relive memories  of quiet heroes  of big sacrifice  the not famous  but makes the world spin  of doing the right thing  all of this, through such ugly times  2 more mass shootings  how do we stand  together những lời này, thuộc về một người đàn ông ý tưởng của nhiều người đi trước vẫn còn cảm thấy sự hiện diện hồi tưởng lại những kỷ niệm của những anh hùng thầm lặng của sự hy sinh lớn không nổi tiếng nhưng làm cho thế giới quay làm điều đúng đắn tất cả những điều này, qua những khoảng thời gian tồi tệ như vậy 2 vụ xả súng hàng loạt nữa chúng ta đứng như thế nào cùng với nhau

If there’s one question I think every political decision or affirmation of agreement with should do to align with the spirit of our God - it is to ask - what does this policy I support do or how does it impact the “lowest of these” That’s not an easy question to answer from up above - best to ask those it impacts. 

This last year, what happened to our connections?  I suppose because I've always felt mine with others were tenuous, so although I smiled on zoom, I can't help but feel that I lost something. Maybe that's human nature, to feel the grass in greener. In the sermon today, I'm pretty sure one of the our pastors quoted Justin Bieber - that the grass is not greener on the other side, it's greener where you water it.  So, did I water the garden I was standing it or did I let it dry out as I struggled my way toward some other better side?  It's near midnight, I'm watching clips of tonight's Grammy's...and it settles me. I imagine the millions who tuned in, who have heard these songs and felt connected. I'm not terribly keen on the amount of money that goes into "entertainment" - I feel some righteous anger that music artists can make so much when our teachers who are raising up our nation and the next generous are making a basic living.  I envi

If I tell you what I did then I no longer get to collect my reward in heaven and how I long for that - how I desire to serve our God to such a degree that one day he will say "well done my good and faithful servant."  This was a huge struggle, I grew up being adorned with the praises of my family, so I continued to crave it; seeking approval from others and feeling lost when I didn't get it. I also did not understand what my identity in Christ meant. Until I connected the two. By doing the will of God on earth in kindness and love (e.g. not reacting in outrage, saying hurtful things out of hurt, seeking self satisfaction or the approval of others) - I would purse treasures in heaven and therefore not rely on the whims of others for peace, joy, and approval. I have it all, in God, my identity is in Christ.  May we serve one another in Christ.