Posted to journeytosolidarity.org by Jay D. Breitlow
Thank you for taking the time to read our website and for taking an interest in creating solidarity in the world. If you are reading this, then you clearly have a passion for those who are less fortunate as we also do. I was recently asked about the attire and why I would dress up? Doesn’t this create an air of a big rich American?
L is for love!! Notice the little boy in blue is getting over chicken pox. Photo by the author
Perhaps for some, but it was a Medical Doctor Paul Farmer, who runs ‘Partner’s in health’ and who’s life is mission work in Haiti who states that the local people, those who are considered the poor and the destitute, don’t want to see us dress down. They see us as people who can make a difference and they respect the fact that you, just as they do, put your BEST foot forward each day. As professionals we owe them that courtesy. I cannot speak to whether or not Paul wears a white coat all the time or if it impacts his work, but I would venture that his work, just like mine is neither enhanced nor detracted from through the color or style of coat/clothing we wear.
Traditional Ghanian attire. Photo courtesy of the author
Please do understand that overwhelming majorities here are poor, which is why my services are offered on a volunteer basis and why we have several other programs, which we hope to start soon. One of which is ‘adopting’ a school here so that children can write in notebooks for real. (More details on that soon thanks to Angie Kramer) We also have aspirations for scholarships programs as well as clean drinking water and sanitation programs for those we serve. We are inclusive of chiropractic, but not exclusive of any other health care or working professionals. That being said, also understand that just because I wear a shirt and tie does not necessarily mean that I am monetarily rich. Again as per Dr. Paul’s message, people see that as ‘here is somebody with something to offer the world, somebody who has money and talents and he is here sharing it we me. I must really be special and worthwhile.’ That is the message for these people, they are worthwhile and they are worth what little or great amount of time, money and talent that we have been given by God.
The market in Ghana. this was taken behind the shops by the author
So why Chiropractic? I had several options for a career and I have happily chosen chiropractic. I was a nuclear engineer for three years and after going through that rigorous program at Purdue you should rest well knowing that indeed our education does prepare us to gout into the real word, as real doctors and by able to work with other health care professionals to treat anyone. I am not insinuating that chiropractic alone can cure anything. I do believe though that it offers great value to those who wish to optimize their lives, live with less pain and in some serious cases contribute to what is known as ‘placebo’ or ‘spontaneous remission’. The education that we receive in the DC program to become non-invasive spinal specialists and primary care providers is top notch. Although we do not have the extended residency programs due to the way which we practice, know that the amount of hours we get in the class room is on par with and in some cases exceeds that of Medical Doctors.
As always we at J2S love to hear from everyone and we hear your wonderful words of encouragement and enlightenment. I will have details soon about a school program we are hopeful to get involved with soon. In peace and love…
Posted to journeytosolidarity.org by Jay D. Breitlow
Tags: Chiropractic, culture, Ghana, jay breitlow
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