I found myself in the hot seat at Brown University last night, answering questions from students considering a career in medicine. One of the students, Brita Larson invited me to talk with the class in an informal setting about my opinions and experience with emergency medical services.
Considering I am my favorite subject I couldn’t refuse. The students were great and seemed genuinely interested in what I had to say. I’ve been writing my thoughts and opinions for so long it was a welcome change to talk with people and be able to immediately see their reactions to what I had to say. Writing is much safer, I learned. It is easy to write something, let it sit for a while, then reread it and change things that don’t sound quite right. Talking is on the record, then and there, no looking back. I found myself questioning some of my own opinions about poverty, lifestyle and the need for reform in our “industry” after the class. I’ve never been one to hold back my ideas, it’s just that nobody really listens to idle conversation. These kids did listen, and looked to me as an authority and expert in my field, and it occurred to me halfway through that I actually am.
Thank you, Brita and the rest of the class for welcoming me into your world for a little while. I hope you enjoyed the hour as much as I did.
The way I heard it, you “spewed awesomeness for an hour.”
Nice job.
There are many ways to educate, Michael.
Here, your books, training and now the college generation asking for your views and experience and recommendations.
They’re gonna have you on tv before you know it. Katy Couric calling…
One of my dearest friends is a professor at Brown. How neat that you were there to speak.
Oh well done you..not always an easy task, a lot of writers are not very good at this type of discussion but you ARE an expert after all the years you have serve. I bet you told it just like it is too and the college students must have really enjoyed all your wonderful knowledge and marvellous case historys.
btw my anthology is now for sale on:
http://www.susiehemingway.com – they are just walking out!!(xmas gifts I think) I cannot believe how generous folk are. Such an exciting time.
Sincere Regards to you Michael.
Dear Mr. Morse,
I was one of the students in attendence on Thursday night, although I was not a member of the class– just a guest of theirs. I really enjoyed hearing you speak! The hour FLEW by, and many of the things that you talked about really made me think long and hard about medicine, this city and my own city of Chicago, the medical system, and so much more. Instead of reading detached reports in newspapers about the medical system as I usually do, I got to hear a colorful, vibrant, and first-hand account from you about how the medical rescue system works in reality.
Good luck with your movie; I can’t wait to see it! And I’m definitely picking up your book the first chance I get!
Cate Berger
Thanks Cate, if I remember correctly yoy asked most of the questions, and good ones at that!
Brendan, thanks for letting me know that, you never know how you’ve gone over after someyhing like that, great to hear some positive feedback.
Jean you comments are very humbling, and always appreciated. I’ve been meaning to link over to your “pondering” site for weeks, havent had much time on the computer, but I’ll get it done!
Susie, that is awesome, I can’t wait to get a copy, I’ve been a fan of yours for a few years now and plan on getting the book as a gift for my wife who despises computers and reading anything other than words on paper.
And Chrysalis, always welcome to hear from a comrade in sick bay, hope you are healing well.