Happy New Year... Heri ya Mwaka mpya na kwaheri 2009

Today I would like to share this poem written in Swahili by a talented young man studying in Turkey. An Eulogy to 2009.

NAONDOKA!
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> Shairi naliandika, Natumai mko poa
> Izraili amefika, Roho yangu kuitoa
> Mwito kifo naitika, Meshindwa kujiokoa
> Hata hivyo yote tisa, Kumi mie naondoka
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> Ni miezi na masiku, Nami nimevumilia
> Nakumbuka ile siku, Nilipo waingilia
> Tena mida ya usiku, Nyote mkasubiria
> Hata hivyo yote tisa, Kumi mie naondoka
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> Saa zenu kwa pamoja, MlifUata akrabu
> Kwa sekunde mojamoja,Mkaweza kuhesabu
> Nne tatu mbili moja, Mkanambia karibu
> Hata hivyo yote tisa, Kumi mie naondoka
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> Hoye mkafurahia, Kwa shangwe mkanilaki
> Tena mkashangilia, Mukawasha mafataki
> Kwa masoda na mabia, Hakuna kilichobaki
> Hata hivyo yote tisa, Kumi mie naondoka
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> Awali mlinipenda, Na wala hamukugomba
> Elfu mbili na kenda,Kwenu ni mgeni bomba
> Ili nisiweze kwenda, Kukicha mkaniomba
> Hata hivyo yote tisa, Kumi mie naondoka
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> Tumekuwa marafiki, Wa kufa na kuzikana
> Tulogawana riziki, Wala hatukunyimana
> Hasa wakati wa dhiki,Daima tulifaana
> Hata hivyo yote tisa, Kumi mie naondoka
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> Vipi leo mwachukia, Kunilani kwa matusi
> Tangu nilipoingia, Ni mafua na virusi
> Mwatamani nifukia, Mpate ondoa nuksi
> Hata hivyo yote tisa, Kumi mie naondoka
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> Serikali zalalama, Mgeni mie sifai
> Uchumi umeshazama, Benki zinawadai
> Bidhaa zote gharama, Mpaka mumenikinai
> Hata hivyo yote tisa, Kumi mie naondoka
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> Namaliza msafara, Nilikuwa tu mgeni
> Mliopata madhara, Mtapata afueni
> Mliokula hasara, Nasema tena poleni
> Hata hivyo yote tisa, Kumi mie naondoka
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> Hivi sasa nawatoka, Bora tu niwaacheni
> Kuwa nanyi nimechoka,Kwaheri nawaageni
> Sina budi kuchomoka, Yupo mwengine mgeni
> Hata hivyo yote tisa, Kumi roho yanitoka
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> Mpokeeni mwenzangu, Anayefanana nami
> Jina lake kama langu,Elfu mbili na kumi
> Tabia ni kama zangu, Msimpige mangumi
> Hata hivyo yote tisa, Kumi roho yanitoka
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> Kiumri nimemzidi, Hawezi kutabirika
> Basi namujitahidi, Kabla yeye kufika
> Mabadiliko yabidi, Msije kuathirika
> Hata hivyo yote tisa, Kumi roho ishatoka
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> HAMZA A. MOHAMMED a.k.a 2009
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New Hope

The month of September denotes a new season of uncertainty for graduate doctors as well to fourth year medical students. It's the month were we collectively apply via the Internet using ERAS application program for residency training of our choice at medical programs across America. There is alot of time spent to research programs,collecting letters of recommendations and the most demanding is the soul searching, mind boggling time spent writing up personal statements to express your attributes, aspirations and why they need you ... the better you present yourself in the PS the better it may act as an advocate for you to get the golden prize that being An invitation. I personally found writing the PS was the most demanding mostly because I come from a culture were we don't sing our praises, the more timid or considerate you are the better.

Once all your documents are uploaded by the system, you've filled out your online CV and CAF(Common Application form)and certify that what you have written is the truth you can officially apply to programs. Which poses another problem, how many programs can you afford to apply to? depending on the number of programs you apply to the cost differs. It's no cheap process and not for the faint hearted. Last year I applied to 61 programs I paid around $1200. This year Ive applied to Family medicine programs and Internal medicine programs total of 61 programs I spent $675, price got split because I applied to different fields of medicine but in the end it's still alot of money. I haven't added the costs for the token, USMLE transcript, NRMP .... which is approx $200.

After making the payment and pressing the SUBMIT BUTTON that's when all the fun begins. You check your Inbox twice or thrice daily, check your cellphone frequently you don't want to miss that phone call from a program coordinator. You check online forums frequently to know which programs have sent invitations and rejections while your inbox is dry. You read forum members comments regarding phone Interviews gone bad and sympathise with them as they receive the rejection. You read about people getting rejections because they applied to programs which don't offer visas but on the programs website such information isn't posted. To be honest apart from being stressful it's also been a humbling experience. I still haven't heard from most of the programs Ive applied to but I'm grateful Ive received my first Interview which has given me hope in the system. There is still time to hear from others.

PS.Would like to share an article created by usmlepatient on USMLEFORUM regarding this years match and the way we feel aka the Match 2010 syndrome. Enjoy!!

MATCH 2010 SYNDROME
Frustration with Malignant hypertension and excessively raised Intracranial tension. Frequent palpitations with occasional skipped beats. Unresponsive to therapy.

Associated symptoms: Lack of concentration, hyperphagia (I wish anorexia would be a symptom), mood swings, feeling of guilt, (no suicidal ideation....!)
Excessively peeping into "2010 match" community and not to mention the number of times opening 'My ERAS' for new messages. Occasional night terrors.


Associated risk factors: Step 3 in the very near future.

Aggravating factors : Rejections. Lots of IV calls for fellow IMGs...that too with same creds.
Alleviating factors : at least acknowledgements.

Defenses employed: Denial and rationalization after seeing the rejections. Introjection after seeing IV calls for the fellow IMGs.

Vitals : seemingly normal.
General examination : the patient is disheveled , unkempt and a bit agitated.
Execessively drowsy (even after daily long sleeping hours).


Management:
High doses of IV calls for induction.
Good interview performances for maintenance.
and a Prematch for remission.

Innate immunity : Being an American med graduate.

Acquired Immunity

Active immunity : a)naturally acquired - by doing some USCE
b)artificially acquired - by having some contacts.

Passive immunity : a) naturally acquired - Green card or Citizenship
b) artificially acquired - no more than sheer luck.

P.S. chances of relapse at the time of getting into a fellowship.

Eid Mubarak

Ramadhan Kariim

I received this poem in Swahili and I would like to share it as it reflects on Ramadan. I wish everyone a Ramadhan Makbul.

YA RABBI UTUNUSURU

Ninaanza kwa salamu, Baraka nizifaidi
Nashika yangu kalamu,Kusema imenibidi
Enyi ndugu isilamu, Umati wa Muhamadi
Ya Rabbi utunusuru, Pepo tusijeikosa


Mikono naifungua, Na kwa moyo mkunjufu
Mgeni ameshatua, Mwezi mwema mtukufu
Naupokea kwa dua, Na furaha sufu sufu
Ya Rabbi utunusuru, Pepo tusijeikosa


Mwaka huu mtihani, Si rahisi ni mgumu
Kuifunga Ramadhani,Mchana kutwa saumu
Kwa kweli sio utani,Yapaswa kujilazimu
Ya Rabbi utunusuru, Pepo tusijeikosa


Daku msilisahau, Mkatafuna vitende
Ugali au pilau, Msipokula ni mbinde
Mujipige angalau,Saumu isiwashinde
Ya Rabbi utunusuru, Pepo tusijeikosa


Mchana jua ni kali, Lazima kuvumilia
Magharibi nayo mbali,Adhana kusubiria
Ukahisi huna hali, Na ari kukuishia
Ya Rabbi utunusuru, Pepo tusijeikosa


Sio matumbo pekee, Nafsi pia fungani
Macho msikodolee, Maovu kuyatamani
Ubora ni mtembee, Mkitazama angani
Ya Rabbi utunusuru, Pepo tusijeikosa


Tena nchi za ulaya, Mazingira ni hatari
Watu wamekosa haya, Kwa kupenda ufahari
Tabia zao ni mbaya, Kwao kufunga hiari
Ya Rabbi utunusuru, Pepo tusijeikosa


Hiyo miji ya likizo, Msimu wa kiangazi
Ndio kuna matatizo, Wanawake wote wazi
Kuvaa sio kigezo, Vimini ndio mavazi
Ya Rabbi utunusuru, Pepo tusijeikosa


Tumuombe Maulana, Ya Allah ya Karimu
Tusijeipata lana, Kwa mambo yaso muhimu
Tutendeni ya maana, Isitupate hukumu
Ya Rabbi utunusuru, Pepo tusijeikosa


Tamati nimefikia, Imepita alasiri
Magharibi meingia, Namalizia shairi
Wenzangu nawakimbia,Nenda tafuta futari
Ya Rabbi utunusuru, Pepo tusijeikosa


by Hamza A. Mohammed

The Match is over. Starting from square one again

So, as I predicted 2008 will be a year of challenges. Sure was in every aspect !! I did get to to pass my exams on first attempt though not as well as I had anticipated. Travelled to Chicago to do my cs exam and enjoyed a few days seeing the attractions of the city. Applied for the residency match on time and got to volunteer with local doctors. It was a tough year but rewarding in its own way. Learnt more on my limitations and developed new strengths. Made some good friends through this trial and got time to volunteer with the community and play an active role. I'm human so I am a bit disappointed that I didn't get to Match into an Internal Med or Family Med residency program but believe if I put some more effort in it...try some new venues e.g research God willing I will match next year.

Health wise except from a bad flu I picked up from NYC trip I was healthy as a horse, Mashallah. Been working out and dieting managed to lose the extra pounds I added while studying. I still love my chocolates but there is no harm with treats,, now and then !!! Having fun with cooking... been bedazzling friends with my talent. Hope I can keep it. I miss alot of things especially food and I try to fusion the different cultural experiences I have had and create a taster recipe. I love my Swahili-Turkish-Indian-Somali-western infused creations... there is so much you can make in the kitchen. And there is so much more to learn if only I had the extra time...

Friendship and relationships have prospered. Learnt alot from others and shared what I knew or had experienced. Ive learnt more of my own temperament and how I relate to others. Ive come to know who are my real friends and I appreciate who they are. As for my "false" friends I pray they will have patience and learn that giving or helping others isn't so hard. In life we all go through stages of giving or taking, life is dynamic we are supposed to adapt and change with the course. And make the most of the challenges we face either good or bad but still holding true to our core ideals and integrity. One idiom which has rung true to my trials and tribulations has been "actions speak more than words". It has helped me to differentiate friends from acquaintances.

I still managed to travel and have some fun :) Wonder where I will go next? Its always nice to get out of the routine and appreciate nature or the man made beauty around you. Experienced the tastes and flavors of pumpkins at the 101st Circleville Pumpkin festival, enjoyed the view from Sears towers and from the top of the rock, had some great pizza in NYC, enjoyed the beauty of African sunset in Tanga & the busy streets with bicycles . Enjoyed the walks in the various parks in Columbus in fall and the beautiful picturesque change of the seasons. Winter as usual was cold and white but beautiful in its own unique way. And now we are in spring again can hear the chirping of birds all around me. Life is beautiful... there is so much to see and experience. I'm grateful to be alive and breathing. Thank you God, I will be patient, I know you have greater plans for me. After pain and tribulations comes ease. I will actively try to achieve it. Amin.

A little reminder of Home... Taarabu Music Titled Najiamini - I beleive or trust in myself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEIa-b5qpeo

Enjoy!!!

A New Era

Times have changed a new wave of hope has crossed the world, again. The first time I felt this way was after Nelson Mandela's release when he visited Tanzania. I was still in primary school we were mobilised with our teachers to head to Ocean Road near the white house in Dar es salaam thousand of school children, myself clad in my blue and white school uniform waiting to see the Noble man, a son of Africa who fought an apartheid system for equality for all. I remember the excitement, the pushing and shoving just to get a glimpse of Nelson Mandela when he passed in the motorcade waving at us, free atlast. The tears flowing down our eyes, waving back franticlly, the singing and clapping;the euphoria was overwhelming. A new Beacon of hope for fellow African's and especially for South Africa and a living proof that facing adversity, determination and fighting for justice was a noble cause. A lesson alot of us learnt and wanted to hear more off, stories of our brothers and sisters in South Africa, how did he survive in seclusion and how the New South Africa will forgive their past and reconcile as a Nation. And the rest is History.

Yesterday, again I re-lived that moment. A son of a Kenyan father, the first AfroAmerican was elected by the people of America to hold the highest position in office in the western world. I am used of the Idea of seeing African presidents leading but this was different because the history was occuring in America and not the African continent. More than 200 years history after abolishment of slavery and 40 something years of the Civil right movement the first man of colour was heavily elected by the people to rule the people with a total of 137 million votes !!!. Atlast, the spell was broken . It wasnt a question of luck, he too, Barack Hussein Obama was determined, faced adversity, bet the odds and laid down a plan to succeed. His excellent grassroot networking, his vision in pushing a positive theme energized people to fight for change in unity for the better good of the nation.

I am lucky to be in America to see the unfolding of the election process the primaries, nomination and later the presidential election. I learnt alot of the American people, the media effect and the uniqueness of the contestants running . I have experienced how politics was practised back home and in Turkey. There was a stark difference for once I saw transparency, honesty, integrity ... not the usual hoodwinking and making the people feel as fools, people of affluence lost their footing and lost, good speeches were delivered and an genuine effort to include the people into decision making. The Obama's movement will definitely be taken as a role model by other nations especially with the efficient usage of technology, committed community work and the grassroot fundraising. And most importantly committing themselves to their message, uniting the people and not going negative which would have been the easiest way to do. I admire the foresight in establishing this system and which later brought about the realisation of the dream.

Elected President Obama has a tough job awaiting him as we all well know. May God help him be a healer and give him the strength do his job well . I strongly beleive he will play his A game. I pray that the world and America will be patient with him so that we can all overcome. And let peace, global stability and prosperity prevail again.

Mungu Akubariki

2008 and 1428 buyrun,welcome!!!

Recently Ive been in a coccoon keeping my thoughts to myself. Ive currently relocated to Columbus Ohio. And Ive started to study seriously for my licensure exams intend to do my first exam, the USMLE step 1 in march inshallah. Im taking things slowly this time juggling with my books t home or barnes & nobles or public library, visiting mosques, the occasional shopping and going to the movies or visiting galleries.

2007 has been an exciting year for me, got my african medical experience , met incredible people and heard their stories, met my better half, had wonderful holidays at home(Arusha, moshi,zanzibar, Dar es salaam, Tanga and also neighbouring Nairobi(kenya)) . Travelled and met relatives (Abudhabi -UAE, London, Southampton, Northampton, Milton Keynes Uk and Toronto, Ottawa, Niagara falls Ca) and now in the states in pursuit to fulfil a dream Inshallah; to gain my postgraduate education

My 2008 forecast

I see myself more positive,healthier, happier and religiously more grounded. Passing all my 3 exams and Inshallah getting some good interviews at recognisable medical institutes. I miss treating patients but Ive still got to do some observerships/USCE that will be sometime in the middle of the year, so thats something Im looking forward to. Inshort 2008 Inshallah will be my year of personal growth where my strength and weakness will be tested to the maximum especially academically to place me for the 2009 match.

2008 will also be a very long year in comparison to the Islamic calendar. Today is 21st dhul hijjah 1428, dhulhijjah is last month in the Muslim calendar and we will be celebrating our new year soon on the 10th of January Inshallah. Also as we base our calendar on the moon sightings this year is a leap year so we will live through 1429 and also 1430, as the new Islamic year is estimated to commence on the 29th of Dec 2008. Amazing, having to celebrate 3 new years while still in 2008. Subhanallah.God is Great!

Mt.Kilimanjaro seen from Moshi, Tanzania -a view I used to wake upto.

Happy new year!!! Peace on earth.