tragedy

as a medical professional, one of the worst but usually unfounded fears is that the anonymous patient in the next room, bed, or ambulance is someone you know.

erin worked yesterday and happened to be chatting with another nurse who was reviewing her patient's labs. erin recognized the name as that of a friend of ours, and then confirmed that the patient, in fact, was a classmate and friend from georgetown. he had gone to another hospital with a severe headache the night before, and was rushed to georgetown. tragically, he had a massive bleed into his head from an undiagnosed tumor, and died yesterday.

ray was 41, leaving behind a wife and twin 6yo girls. he was the last person you'd think something like this could happen to- an outdoorsman, rock climber, AF academy grad, helicopter pilot before going back to med school, family physician, all around great guy.

at a time of year when you're already more likely to appreciate those around you, do it a little more today. that is the only way any good can come from this.