What an amazing week I had at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting in San Francisco last week! In addition to receiving the AAOS 2008 Diversity Award, I had the opportunity to meet the future I've worked so long to help bring about.
You may recognize these two shining examples:
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That's Debi Thomas in the middle (yes, the former US and World Champion and Olympic medalist figure skater), who's now a practicing orthopaedic surgeon. She attended the Trilogy Breakfast where we bring together the African American, women's, and Latino societies of orthopaedic surgeons.
And the third photo is Kalilah Allen-Harris (Miss Black USA 2007), who is in medical school studying toward becoming an orthopedic surgeon. Kalilah and I were on a panel presentation entitled "She Can Do It" and she expresses the spirit of passing on what we've been given on her own blog where she wrote, "Being able to encourage people is such a blessing."
Here's more about my whirlwind week from a conversation with Yvonne DiVita and Tom Collins last Friday (just click the Play ">" button to listen, or the link below to download the MP3):
Stop back soon for another segment from this conversation.
About 
Dr. Thomas,
It was such an honor to be able to speak with you and spend time soaking up your wealth of knowledge! You are truly an inspiration, and you're always in my prayers. I can't wait to start reading God Spare Life! I'm sure it'll become a bestseller. I also can't wait to see you on Oprah! :)
God Bless,
Kalilah
Posted by: Kalilah Allen-Harris | March 26, 2008 at 03:50 AM