I recently participated in a dramatic production written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten. I joined 10 other cast members and 12 crew members in three performances of "Red Velvet Cake War." The combined talents and efforts of our production team resulted in three "full houses" and a financial profit for our organization, not to mention much personal satisfaction.
I also gather weekly on Wednesday evenings, along with 45 other singers, an accompanist, and a director to rehearse music that we sing together each Sunday morning in our church's worship services. The singers are divided into four main voice parts. At times we sing the same notes (in unison), but most of the time we sing in "parts." The intended outcome is harmony that is pleasant to the listeners' ears.
I also had the privilege of being a part of the medical team for the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics. According to such sources as the New Georgia Encyclopedia, the games consisted of 26 sports contested by 10,318 athletes representing 197 nations. Preparation for the site of the games involved the efforts of innumerable field specialists over more than 6 years. Athletic preparation for the games was an ongoing process that involved the active efforts of qualifying athletes, coaches, trainers, and sponsors. Athletes were awarded medals with "winning" status, and spectators were provided with entertainment and travel opportunities. In addition, Atlanta benefited from increased tourism as well as improvements in roads, sidewalks, and housing. It took hundreds of people working together to make the Olympics happen.
Our practice experiences are similar to the earlier examples. Each day we report to our gastroenterology clinical settings. This may be an inpatient unit, office setting, or endoscopy unit. The team of nurses, physicians, technicians, anesthesia staff, ancillary staff, and unit leadership contribute their unique talents to produce excellent patient outcomes and satisfied professional member experiences. In the words of Deepak Chopra, "Everyone has a purpose in life ... a unique gift or special talent to give to others. And when we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of our own spirit, which is the ultimate goal of all goals."
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