My generation's "where were you" moment
Faisel Syed, MD
Good doctors prescribe medication. Great doctors wean patients off of them
The destruction of the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001 was my generation’s Pearl Harbor. My “where were you when President Kennedy was assassinated?” memory. Even today, almost 20 years later, mention “9-11” and the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
I lost a dear friend that day. Salman Hamdani was an all-American football player, EMT, and NYPD cadet. When others ran from the towers, Salman ran towards them. He died when the North Tower collapsed. He was trying to save lives.
The authorities suspected Salman of being a terrorist because of his name. Others posted pictures of loved ones asking if anyone had seen them. Authorities posted pictures of my friend asking for information that would link him to the terrorists.
The government eventually realized its error and Salman received the hero burial he deserved. His name even went into the Patriot Act.
Salman and I shared a desire to help people. That’s why I went into medicine. Little did I realize, however, that an evil equal to the evil that killed Salman could infiltrate my beloved profession.
The fee for service system allows some patients to die 20 years sooner than others because of their zip codes. That’s evil.
The system allows sick people to suffer when they can’t afford healthcare. That’s evil.
The system rewards inefficient management and medical complications rather than prioritize prevention or early intervention. That’s evil.
As a doctor, I can’t stand by and watch the fee for service system prioritize profits over the sacred trust that exists between doctors and patients. That’s evil. I owe it to my friend Salman to be better.
Free Medical Ministry. Write on Medicine/Life. 7 Gkids 4-12. Ret FP. Indy racing. Physics to design products. FP Residency Director
4 年Driving to work to see patients for the day.
Good doctors prescribe medication. Great doctors wean patients off of them
4 年Thank you for your comments and private messages. I helped carry Salman’s coffin. 9-11 changed my attitude towards confronting evil for what it is in all its ugly forms. Let us never forget.
Vice President, Sales
4 年Thank you, Dr. Syed, for this post. My father, a first-generation Japanese American, was in his 20s during Pearl Harbor. His family’s assets were frozen and they were put on “watch”. The University of Cincinnati, where my grandfather was a professor and my dad and siblings attended med school, vouched for them, promising to take responsibility for their actions. They remained “under suspicion” for many years but it never bittered my father. He too worked to care for all, regardless of ability to pay. I have memories of him being stopped in our town, while neighbors asked medical advice. He always helped, with kindness and compassion. Dad is no longer with us but it is people like you and him that will fight for change and make the difference.
Retired
4 年I was working in government that day and heard bits and pieces all day. It was a sad and fearful day. I enjoyed your remembrance of a hero it was inspiring