January brings a reflection of celebrated holiday traditions coupled with hope for a better year. We make resolutions for a multitude of reasons: personal, professional, or anything that takes us out of our “comfort zone.” So, I feel it is very fitting that the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. falls within the first few weeks of the new year--allowing humanity to celebrate equality as we prepare and plan to follow through with hopes for the new year. Rather than quote a famous MLK speech, I wanted us to reflect on how he handled extreme adversity in a peaceful, reconciliatory manner. Despite his heroic achievements in the civil rights movement and the progression of human rights, there is still great work to be done to battle inequalities.
While there are a variety of reasons for one to practice medicine, most of us are motivated by a desire to help people. As dermatology PAs and NPs, we know inequalities persist not only within our specialty but also broadly within the field of medicine. Dr. King’s life serves as an example of how to face inequalities in a forthright, peace-focus, unwavering manner. On this MLK day, may we take time to reflect on how we treat one another daily and how we as PAs and NPs can seek to better understand the struggles and biases many of our patients and colleagues continue to face. How can we use our training, skills, and position to be an ambassador of Dr. King’s dream? Can we show kindness and patience to those who are still learning and growing? Let’s make 2024 the year we build each other up, display grace and acceptance, and encourage each other along our personal growth journeys. We will keep Dr. King’s dream alive by making this year one filled with kindness and gratitude.
Happy New Year!
Justin Love, MPAS, PA-C resides in the blue zone of Loma Linda CA. He works for Loma Linda University Department of Dermatology. In his spare time, he enjoys any ocean-related activities and spending time with his family.