A Moment With Doc...

This was a post originally put on Facebook by my very delectable, hardworking pal, Dr Oma Abii.


In clinic today, I saw a 14 year old girl, SS1 student. Very pretty, chubby, reminded me of my kid sister. She has sickle cell disease.
Very bright child I tell you! She wanted to know her (orthopedic) diagnosis, when I told her, she turned to her mom and said "I told you it was likely to be **** not. *****. I didn't have fever and the other things! "
I was curious, I asked her she said she had been googling her symptoms and the answers kept pointing to her diagnosis. She asked what we would do for her and all, it didn't feel like I was talking with a child... I was impressed!
Then without prompting, she asked me:
Her: Dr, do I have to be a doctor first before becoming a hematologist?
Me: As far as I know, yes
Her: I want to be a hematologist
Me: cool, why?
Her: I want to help and find a cure to this sickle cell disease. I hate it, I hate the pain, I hate that other people are passing through it too. It's not fair!
Me: *stunned*

It's been a while I had that kind of sober moment, I actually had goose bumps. She said she would read up on her diagnosis and come for her next appointment with plenty questions,lol. She's a jewel, that one, with a big heart. I pray her dreams come true!
PS: parents and intending parents, please for the sake of God, know your genotype before making children. These kids suffer too much; physically, emotionally and otherwise.

- Oma Abii