This is a marvelous, best written because it is from your heart. As I read it, I felt your pain.
But as a physician, I know you have done and are doing the right thing. And as you stand back and view the horrible scene created by Secretary Kennedy, you can see how many will be sick and how many will die because of his dark, unfounded, unscientific beliefs.
Bless you. Stay strong. If your remarks save one life, you have succeeded.
M! Thank you so much for sharing your story. Mine is very similar (minus the fact we never were around RFK directly) and one I share often. It’s a weird space to be in as a scientist from an anti-vaccine family. Feel free to reach out if you ever want some commiseration. I’m proud of you for sharing your story!
I know going to public school required me to be up to date with my vaccinations, for which I am immensely appreciative of. When I went away to school they were just starting to offer the HPV vax and my mom told me not to get it, which I obliged. She’s become increasingly skeptical of vaccinations which has created a vast valley between us. Much of her “health” info she gets from untrained influencers and it’s so unsettling and alarming. She wants to “just share” what she is “learning” and if I don’t just smile and nod an argument ensues. The unraveling of the stronghold these illogical and incorrect beliefs have is not my job but also alarming to think how her health and the health of so many are at stake. Thank you for sharing this story. It’s great to hear that people are able to make the conversion. I worry though that since so many “older” people are the ones running our country and they are the ones who seem steadfast in their decisions and lacking flexibility for new information and change, that we will not break free from this any time soon.
Greatly appreciate you sharing M’s story. Thank you.
This is so powerful. Thank you for your courage!!
This is a marvelous, best written because it is from your heart. As I read it, I felt your pain.
But as a physician, I know you have done and are doing the right thing. And as you stand back and view the horrible scene created by Secretary Kennedy, you can see how many will be sick and how many will die because of his dark, unfounded, unscientific beliefs.
Bless you. Stay strong. If your remarks save one life, you have succeeded.
thank you for sharing this…I’m sure it has been very difficult for you, but please know that your story can make a difference.
M! Thank you so much for sharing your story. Mine is very similar (minus the fact we never were around RFK directly) and one I share often. It’s a weird space to be in as a scientist from an anti-vaccine family. Feel free to reach out if you ever want some commiseration. I’m proud of you for sharing your story!
I know going to public school required me to be up to date with my vaccinations, for which I am immensely appreciative of. When I went away to school they were just starting to offer the HPV vax and my mom told me not to get it, which I obliged. She’s become increasingly skeptical of vaccinations which has created a vast valley between us. Much of her “health” info she gets from untrained influencers and it’s so unsettling and alarming. She wants to “just share” what she is “learning” and if I don’t just smile and nod an argument ensues. The unraveling of the stronghold these illogical and incorrect beliefs have is not my job but also alarming to think how her health and the health of so many are at stake. Thank you for sharing this story. It’s great to hear that people are able to make the conversion. I worry though that since so many “older” people are the ones running our country and they are the ones who seem steadfast in their decisions and lacking flexibility for new information and change, that we will not break free from this any time soon.
Storytelling is so important for the future of public health. Thank you so much, M! And thank you, Jessica, for sharing!