Ubuntu

“Ubuntu” is a traditional African philosophy that we are all interconnected and that as “brothers” and “sisters” we are not individuals but just part of the “whole.” Put simply, “no man is an island.” The world set in this framework has resounded in my time here in the way people interact with each other. Overwhelming the people I’ve met here have been genuinely interested in who I am and what makes me tick… Its not that I am more interesting than anyone, it is the belief that we are connected, and that connection inherently means that you should understand one another. More importantly it is our very human nature to be connected. In my US-centric life thus far, individualism and self-achievement is held in very high regard. This drives us to push ourselves to “succeed” and do great things, but at the same time it ignores why we got here. I could not have “succeeded” at anything had it not been for the people in my life. My parents gave me the vision of a bigger world and my whole family has helped me understand true compassion, love and caring. My best friend, Tim, is the reason I pushed myself so hard to learn and perfect drumming… making music alone is not nearly as satisfying as what two or more can make together. My mentor Jim Rothenberger gave me the opportunity to pursue medicine and more importantly grow in my understanding of the world in so many ways … as he put in Drugs, Sex and Death… those of you who know him will understand what I mean. I never disregarded my success has been dependant on others, but many back home would say that “my” achievements have been impressive. First, I haven’t done much yet besides school and second, “my” achievements, passions and interests have been totally shaped by those around me. Ubuntu! I am truly not an island.

This realization also is a reoccurring theme in medicine and public health. In fact, I can’t think of a more important practice in public health and medicine than understanding each other. If you don’t understand your patients, and if you patients don’t understand you, seeing the doctor is a waste of time. Luckily, most of the time, we could do anything (or nothing) and our patients will get better. The idea of “success” in public health and medicine is not black and white. It is often a summation of numerous interventions, individuals and a little time and luck. We must be aware of our interconnectedness. We have so much to learn from Africa. Ubuntu reminds of this.