Last week I wrote about Mark.
Unfortunately - the bad dream that he had died wasn't a dream - and it's been a surreal week - re-connecting with old friends, and re-living formative memories.
Mark was a passionate, thoughtful person who worked so hard to make things RIGHT – while doing his best to have fun - with a unique serene yet sardonic demeanor.
In 1982, I was Mark’s apprentice for 12 months on the 144’ sailing ship – the Barkentine r/v Regina Maris – where he was Chief Engineer (El Jefe) – and I was the Assistant Engineer (El Lacayo) - earning $1 / day.
It’s Mark’s fault that I am a physician.
As we diagnosed, disassembled (and reassembled) diesel engines, bilge pumps, de-salinators and generators together – Mark taught me the fine art of diagnosis, decision making, and careful, patient action.
In healthcare we call this SOAP (Subjective Objective Assessment and Plan) – On Six Forks Road (and Toyota) – it’s called PDCA (Plan-do-check-adjust).
Medical Educators call it GNOME.
Regardless of the name/ framework/ religion we use – it’s about thinking carefully, calmly and strategically about where you want to end up – then having the knowledge, skill and attitude to get you there.
We're on our way to Mark's memorial service now. Marcie sent me this last night - which does a better job than I ever will in telling a short story about our friend:
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