Page 6 - Mecklenburg_Medicine_April-2017

President’s Letter

tools themselves are works of art and will last a lifetime. The Internet One last point — for my colleagues out there who say they are
does help me with topics such as the trivia questions, and I know not creative, I have just one word for you: Hogwash (one definition
in theory typing these missives as a first draft ultimately will save of which, incidentally, is inferior writing). You did not get to where
time, despite being a poor typist. But I am too hidebound to change. I you are today without creativity and passion. Remember, in Greek
cannot create a draft on the computer — there is no room for notes in Mythology the muses were goddesses of not just literature and art,
the margins, words on top of words, or arrows directing where parts but science, as well. Your muse is inside you — it is just likely that,
of sentences should go. At times, I imagine it appears like I dipped a with all the demands and responsibilities of work, family and career,
chicken’s feet in ink and let it run freeform across the paper, but it is a it was relegated to a lesser tapped portion of your mind. Your true
point of pride for me. Some ink stains on my fingers are a small price muse will never abandon you; it is waiting. It does not hold grudges
to pay, akin to garlic on my hands when I cook. for not being used either. Indeed, the only regret will be on your part
for not insisting, “Muse, teach me to dance.”
Know when to walk away. There will be occasions when a
project just doesn’t get on the right track, and you are going nowhere. “Medicine is my lawful wife and literature my mistress. When I get
Step away, give your mind time to refocus, and see if a solution will tired of one, I spend the night with the other.”
come. Don’t force it. It may never come, so learn to accept it. I have
a handful of these essays where I’ve written myself into a corner and — Anton Chekhov
can’t seem to find my way out. But they sure seemed to start well and
were enjoyable, until I met the wall. 1 “Psycho,” Alfred Hitchcock director, 1960
2 Herman Melville, “Moby Dick,” Chapter One: Loomings, 1851
Know when to run. By this I mean know when something is
complete. I could go back on everything I’ve written and change a Trivia question: In 1522, what taboo did Dr. Wertt of Hamburg
word or two in practically every sentence. You have to know when to break? Answer on page 13.
move on. The joy is as much in the journey as the final project.

Spoil yourself a little. Like my neighbor, invest in quality materials
for your muse. I gravitate toward fine writing pens, as I will continue
to make initial drafts on paper. The weight and balance, the smooth
uninterrupted flow of ink cannot be replicated on a keyboard. I need the
intimacy of something in my hands to be at my creative best. Besides, I
can’t gnaw on the end of a keyboard when gathering my thoughts.

New year.
New brand.
Same expertise.

With the majority of our clients and ± 2 million square feet of our owned/managed properties being in
the medical industry, healthcare has long been a part of our identity. Now it’s part of our name, too.

Flagship Healthcare Properties (FHP), formerly Brackett Flagship
Properties, is a full-service real estate firm providing comprehensive
solutions for our healthcare system and physician clients, including:
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accounting, marketing, and investment expertise to a diverse, growing,
and healthcare-centric portfolio of properties.

2701 Coltsgate Road, Suite 300 | Charlotte, North Carolina 28211 | 704-442-0222 | www.flagshiphp.com

Tim Adamson, MD

6 | April 2017 • Mecklenburg Medicine