Category: Profession

Leoni Meadows and San Antonio

This past week involved a lot of traveling. Instead of lugging around my dSLR, I decided to use my iPad. It generally took good pictures, but the dynamic range seems much lower than I’d like. I left Tuesday afternoon, after surgeries, and flew to Sacramento. From there, I rented a…

National Harbor and DC

Very early on Wednesday morning, I leave home for the airport and arrive with the usual lead time to find the security line going across the entire baggage claim area and almost out the door. I nearly miss my flight. After transit through Dallas-Fort Worth, I make it to Reagan…

2012 Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Graduation

Congratulations to the graduating orthopaedic seniors: Chad Brockardt, George Gendy, Ray Grijalva, and Mark Mikhael. Also, congratulations to the research award recipients: Ben Chen and Ray Grijalva. The senior residents awarded Eric Lim Teacher of the Year. Paul Burton gave a nice salute to the seniors, taking snippets from their…

Portland

Arriving in Portland on Tuesday gives a slow transition to the next part of this extended time away. Activities for the Western Orthopaedic Association starts on Wednesday. I spend most of Wednesday morning touring the Portland Chinese Garden 蘭蘇園, taking time to follow the self-guided tour explained in the brochure.…

2012 Commencement Day Events

Commencement is, and has been, the highlight of Memorial Day weekend. This is no different, and luckily, cool weather settled in for the few days surrounding graduation to give us all relief from the unusually early heat. Joan Lunden gives the commencement address—titled Creating a Legacy of Purpose—sharing from her…

2012 Baccalaureate

Today’s Baccalaureate for the Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy started outside on the lawn. Faculty members arrived at 8:15, lining up by the Good Samaritan Statue. Students congregated just to the south of the church’s front entrance. The program started with the Sanctuary Brass and Organ playing Campra’s Rigaudon for…

2012 Hooding Ceremony

One of the more meaningful events for graduation weekend is the Hooding Ceremony. After the welcome by Dr. Thomas, Dr. and Mrs. Hadley presented the baby cups. The class showed photos from their medical school experience followed by an appeal to participate in their adoption of La Loma Luz Adventist…

Dr. Patzakis’s Tribute Dinner

The Keck School of Medicine of USC and the USC Department of Orthopaedic Surgery honored Dr. Patzakis at a tribute dinner at The Langham Huntington—for his 43 years of service to USC and 21 years as Chairman. Excerpt from his biography: Dr. Patzakis received his B.A. and M.D. degrees from…

Red Rock Canyon

This past week, I was at Red Rock Canyon. The main reason for visiting was to attend the American Association for Hand Surgery, which was held at the Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa. The meeting started on Wednesday, and I went as an invited faculty member. Thursday afternoon was…

Christmas Events

Several events this weekend helped usher in the holiday season. Last night, Roger and Donna Hadley opened their beautiful home for a Christmas meal, and afterwards, all of us were treated to a dramatic interpretation of It’s a Wonderful Life performed at the Lifehouse Theater as directed by Wayne Scott.…

Orthopaedic Clinic Halloween Party

A lot of clinic staff dressed up for Halloween today, and there were a lot of characters that I didn’t recognize. Both clinic locations had potluck lunches, and there was also a costume contest. The highlight, of course, was the Riedel family—Barth, Daphne, and the three little ones all dressed…

Pine Springs Ranch

Loma Linda University School of Medicine just had a retreat at Pine Springs Ranch. A rainbow greeted our arrival as we turned onto Apple Canyon Road. Among the inspirational talks, Jon Paulien gave some food for thought regarding the value of education at Loma Linda. I had the role of…

Minnesota

The Musculoskeletal Infection Society meetings took place August 4 to 6 in Rochester. I took a driving tour up to the Boundary Waters for the weekend, spending Saturday night in the little town of Ely, exploring the many lakes of the area.

Leoni Meadows Honor Science Camp

Going to Leoni Meadows was a great way to get out of town and find some peace and quiet among nature. I flew up on Thursday, and after trying to find my way from Sacramento to Grizzly Flats after dark, I made it to the lodge. The next morning, Dr.…

China

Almost a week ago, I arrived in Hangzhou, China, where the thermometer was hovering around freezing. The sun was out, so at least, it felt sort of warm. It was a good day to arrive and see the city. My friends Dr. Shi Peihua and Feng Jine came to the…

New England

The trip to Boston was for the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. After the meetings, I took an excursion with Hasan to New Hampshire through the White Mountains for a view of the fall color change. This weekend was basically peak season for some parts. Then, we traveled…

Western Orthopaedic Association

I spent the last several days in Monterey for the Western Orthopaedic Association. It was a good meeting. Ryan presented our research project there. After driving up Wednesday, I checked in and had dinner. The meetings started early the next morning, and most of each afternoon was free. On Thursday…

School of Medicine Graduation

Commencement this year, like most years, took place on a sweltering spring morning. It was great to see the students graduate after having accomplished so much through school. Scott Nelson was the honored alumnus of the year, and Lenny Werner gave the commencement address.

Safari with Joan

Months ago, Roger Hadley bought the Safari with Joan event at the Children’s Hospital Gala fundraising event. We all had a nice dinner at Joan Coggins’s home. Sean Bush was the guest speaker. The food was wonderful, and I also enjoyed seeing all the animal trophies from her past safari…

Washington, DC

The Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons met in Washington, DC. On this trip, I had the chance to visit Kandus and Brad Thorp and their office at the Hope Channel in the General Conference. It was very nice to visit. Another highlight was the chance to tour the monuments…

Seattle and Olympic Penninsula

I enjoyed the Western Orthopaedic Association meetings. The lectures were good, and I had an opportunity to network with some of the exhibitors as well. The association arranged a cruise tour of Tillicum Village. The best part was the cruise to and from the island. It allowed time to relax…

Savannah

Transiting through Atlanta, I arrive at Savannah. The rental car process is interesting. Budget, where I rented from, is closed. I get help at the Avis counter. They give me the keys, I go outside, and there’s no security. I just drive off, and then in two days, I will…

South Florida

Traveling filled the entire past week, making it feel much longer. The first stop is Florida. It’s Tuesday night. I check in at LAX for a red-eye flight to Orlando. After boarding, I take an Ambien and drifted off, to be awakened upon landing at MCO. The transit is painful—both…