Medicine: Beyond the Science

The COVID pandemic has been catastrophic around the world. Within the United States there are communities harder hit than others. Dr. Ricardo Correa and his team have gone above and beyond the call to service for the latino community. Education is the answer to misinformation and building trust is key. He is an individual that lives up to our motto: "Be Curious and Be Kind".

The KGB had a dossier on him, he attended the funeral for a Soviet Head of State, and as an American he was asked by the Soviet Union to coordinate medical relief to the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. The life of Dr. Robert Peter Gale sounds like it should be a movie, in fact his accounts at Chernobyl were made into a film, in which he was portrayed by Golden Globe winning actor Jon Voight. Having published more than 1,000 scientific articles and over 20 books, his contributions to the medical field is well established, but we also learn of his compassion towards his patients and pride he takes in his students. This is Medicine: Beyond the Science.

Guest Dr. Yan Leyfman was a victim of the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster, the overwhelming odds of survival that he and his family faced were unfathomable. Like so many others, he found himself an immigrant in Brooklyn, NY. When the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on his new found home he couldn’t stand by and watch. As part of the Global COVID-19 Taskforce he was recognized as a City Manhattan Hero for his community service and research contributions during the crisis.

An open access journal for clinical research?! A collaborative effort around the globe. We speak with Dr. Gregory Nicolas, the managing editor for IJCR (International Journal of Clinical Research). He shares his story on how an idea became a reality and continues to grow. Raised in Lebanon, now living in Brazil, his journey across the hemispheres led him to finding his passion. That passion is now shared with the many diverse members of the team within the organization. The international group has overcome countless obstacles and looks forward to encouraging research and publication.

Plan A didn't work out? Good...there are 25 more letters in the alphabet to work through. When facing rejection it is easy for us to freeze and give up. I speak today with Dr. Yusuf Rahman, who received the news that he did not match for a residency program. While devastating to hear, he persevered, kept a positive mental attitude, and found success. We discuss the importance of having support from family and friends, along with the ability to accept your shortcomings. Dr. Rahman's inspiring story is a reminder to us all that there are always better days ahead.