International Medical Work

Aloha and so at last I am finally going to do this and do it right. I am putting out applications to a number of Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) doing sustainable development work, capacity building in the medical sector (or not). I recently talked with the Director of SEVA.org (Mark Lancaster) in Berkeley, California. Even if I need to volunteer first then I am going to go people

I just could not stand it anymore or maybe stand myself? Time to do not to talk.

Thanks for reading,

David

Catching up my Stream of Consciousness

Hey Glen, Sorry for the lack of response.  I will make this short as I want to answer - finally.

So to catch you up . . . .

I like nursing but hate hospitals and how we do medicine in this country. 

I continue to work for metropolitan medical group at:

https://www.metropolitan.md/
http://www.redwood.md/
http://www.noeclinic.com/

all the same business really.  I do online work for them, reviewing labs, med request, triage over the phone all online from home or the coffee shop.  Maybe a possibility of doing more with them, managing or whatever.  Working on that.

Talking with http://www.imcworldwide.org/section/join/
also.  They may have something for me, may have to volunteer first, we'll see. Looks good though.

Why all this now you ask?  How long have I been yakking about it Glen?  How long waiting for things to improve with you know who?  That is why - am sick of that state of the state, sick of the state of my state so to speak. Not running but seizing the moment, carpe diem.  In that respect, I do not have much of a choice left.

It feels that my vision is just and that it is 'beyond' many of the people in America.  Does not make me better, far from it.  Am I just more selfish? The mindless consumption and endless buy,debt cycle keeps our great American economy grinding down the rest of those foreigners to keep us on top.  I am sick of that too.

At the heart of much of this?  My stance as a do gooder is in danger because all I am doing is talking. Time to cut that bullshit out so I called IMC.  If that does not work, I'll find someone else that will take me.  Maybe I will apply to an APCD slot with Peace Corps!

So I will end here, sorry for the very much stream of consciousness rant but I know you are laughing.  I miss friends like you Glen, I really do.  I want to travel more to see friends like you and to really feel like I am at least making whatever vain attempts to make the world a more equitable, more sane, less consumptive place.  In the end, it is my only hope for some semblance of sanity and redemption.

I remain as ever,

Your Friend.

Back from Eureka, California

Aloha and it was a beautiful drive up and back but happy to be home. I work tomorrow morning and then later in the day give the International Medical Corps a call in Washington D.C. to inquire about volunteer / work opportunities. It is late now but I remain hopeful, if not for the economy!

David Byrne and Brian Eno

Aloha - I am very excited about seeing David Byrne and Brian Eno October 8 in Santa Rosa, California. I first heard the Talking Heads when I was at UCLA and just before I left for Fiji with the Peace Corps. They carried me through Fiji, a home away from home in my head. I spent hours walking down deserted beaches, from village to village, or just to get away with my Walkman cassette player - hey, it was 1985 and I was 24 years old ok?! Amazing and beautiful.

So there you have it. Beauty amidst the clamor, the village of my dreams. Thanks David - looking forward to seeing you.