171 Ashley Ave.
Charleston, SC 29425
843-792-1414
800-424-MUSC
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January 2008
Letter From Our Chair
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L. Lyndon Key, MD
Professor and Chairman
Department of Pediatrics |
Dear faculty, Children's Hospital staff and other friends,
It dawned on me that we all work very hard. A few days off with family and friends underscore the importance of providing care to our patients. I have always thought that we need to treat every patient as if they were a close relative. The difference between what we want to do and what we do most days boils down to our love and respect for our patients. Unfortunately, we have to be the "enforcer" from time to time.
As I look at the changes in the world over the last 50 years that I can remember, I find that there has been an erosion of a community ethic that once encouraged us to take care of each other. I have a son-in-law in the Navy and a niece in the Air Force. I have a much better understanding of how important their commitment is than before. I saw a slogan that I liked over this season that proclaimed: "America, land of the free, because of the brave." I noted that while we are willing to protect ourselves from foreign enemies; however, we are not committed to helping to stop killing in our cities by eliminating hand guns. We are not been willing to enforce seat belt laws, support ATV bills, or provide for universal health care. We are free because of the brave, but we must be the brave as well and make these tough choices. In addition, we must reach every child and provide the opportunity to get an early educational foundation. Without this foundation, our population will have difficulty competing in the market place.
Our purpose should not be to pick up the pieces, but to strive to improve health. I am very excited about many of our programs at MUSC, and I will continue to advocate for new and better facilities and more creative ways to extend the knowledge and care that will reduce disease, accidents, obesity, and injuries that can be prevented. This year needs to be the year that we start to take back, not just our own values, but to extend a hand to those who can help us to ensure that all Americans have a chance to be the land of the free, a true beacon for the world.
We must stand tall. We must keep the "big stick" close by, but we must work for peace. Certainly, this year has pointed out that we have created many enemies. However, our purpose is to help to promote peace, prosperity and goodwill. This time of the year is a time of new beginning. This is time of personal reflection, a time that is rife with opportunities to help each others. During my lifetime, I have seen the legal rights of minority populations extended, but now it is time that we guarantee the opportunities to live in peace, to work in harmony, and to obtain an education that will allow a hard worker to succeed. America is about equality. All should be given a chance to reach their dreams.
Sincerely,
L. Lyndon Key, MD
Chair, Department of Pediatrics
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