Valerie A. Fitzhugh, MD
@DrFNA
Followers
32,854
Following
7,434
Media
5,765
Statuses
76,953
Bone/soft tissue/cytopathologist. Professor & Chair, Pathology @Rutgers_NJMS & @RWJMS . FAL. Tweets are my opinion only! Wife to an 🇪🇪 man and proud mom of 2!
Newark, NJ
Joined January 2010
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Pinned Tweet
Did the right thing, got a blue check. Blue check is gone, will still do the right thing.
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I know I am not ObGyn, but hear me out. Babies who are victims of abuse should not be forced to have babies. That's it. That’s the whole tweet.
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Can we also lift up Damar Hamlin’s mom in prayer? She watched her son drop. She rode to the hospital in the ambulance with him. She probably won’t sleep a wink tonight or for days. This is bigger than football. This is real life.
#PrayersForDamarHamlin
#PrayersForDamarsMom
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I want to share my story with you; I think given my last post it is important. I am a participant in a Phase 3 clinical trial for a
#COVIDVaccine
. I did not make the decision lightly; I am a wife and a mom to two young kids. Admittedly, my husband was not happy!
#COVID19
1/18
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I know I am supposed to be taking a SoMe break but allow me to leave this here.
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Please consider the
#COVID19Vaccine
. We have a chance to stop this disease. Please continue to
#WearAMask
,
#SociallyDistance
,
#WashYourHands
, and
#StayHome
as much as you are able. We can do this-together. If you have read this long thread, thank you! 18/18
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Y'all!!!!!
@BubbaWallace
just followed me for my birthday!!!!!! This is so awesome!!!!! I am in tears!!!!! thank you from the bottom of my heart! WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
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I wish I could credit the family who posted this. I saw it posted and had to share. This hit me in the gut. I am still so sad this morning.
#ChadwickBoseman
#RIPChadBoseman
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For those who said, ”You get the shot”, it is possible I already have, although I do not know. But I took the chance so that black people would be represented in this study. For me that was the most important thing. Given the chance I would do it again. 17/18
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They died for the right to vote. It is a right I take seriously. I voted. If you haven’t voted yet, please consider doing so today. Our lives depend on it.
#2020Elections
#ElectionDay
#Elections2020
#Vote
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I know that communities of color, and in particular, my community, the black community, has a myriad of reasons to not trust medicine, and to not trust this vaccine. My ancestors have been experimented on and have been hurt by doctors in the name of science. 2/18
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19 years ago, this guy and this girl started dating. This photo was taken 1 night before I moved to Albany, NY for my first year of residency. 12 years ago we said I do. 2 kids, 5 cats (2 who RIP) and a whole lot of crazy later we make it work. Love you always babe.
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Walking to the morgue in scrubs to mentor a resident through an autopsy. On my way, I was asked by a visitor to take their garbage. Our janitorial staff doesn't wear scrubs.
#BlackintheIvory
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For me, this was the most profound reason to join a trial; I wanted to be able to show my community that the vaccine is safe, and that this is a step we can all take to help curb the spread of
#COVID19
. I reached out to someone who was able to connect me with a study PI 3/18
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I’m the first black woman to serve as a chair at the medical school where I got my MD. I’m only the third black woman to chair an academic pathology department.
#BlackintheIvory
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I still have no idea if I got the vaccine or the placebo but there is some work being done to unblind the trials prior to the end of the trial. If unblinding occurs I will find out what I received. If I got the placebo, I will get vaccinated when my turn comes.
#COVIDVaccine
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I promised a month ago when I posted about my vaccine trial experience that I would share what I got once I got unblinded. Well, today was the day...
#COVID19
#COVIDVaccination
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part of my email signature: My working day may not be your working day. I respect your boundaries around personal time, well being, caretaking and rest. If you receive correspondence from me outside your working hours, please do not feel obliged to reply until you are at work.
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This is me. My authentic self. It took me years to find my voice. But now I have. And I will continue to speak. Because these are the conversations we need to have. I am first, and foremost, a black woman. I love the skin I'm in.
#BlackLivesMatter
#BlackintheIvory
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The PI and I connected and they were very thorough. They answered all of my questions and addressed all my concerns. They provided me with a copy of the informed consent to read before making a final decision, so I would be comfortable either way. 4/18
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I freaked out- until I reminded myself that I had an injection the day before. I decided that either I got the vaccine, or I got the placebo and am a highly suggestible human. I still do not know which I received. 14/18
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I had to take my temperature every day, so that lack of fever was very well documented. I went on about life for the next month, continuing to
#SocialDistance
,
#WearAMask
,
#WashMyHands
, and
#StayHome
(when not working; I am a physician so I work all the time) 10/18
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My most heartfelt apologies to my five-year-old son, whose toast I cut in squares instead of triangles. I had no idea I could be so utterly wrong, but am now fully informed.
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The arm pain was much worse the second time; I felt like I had received a tetanus shot. The day after the second injection, I had a terrible headache and I was very tired (which there is no time for on a Saturday morning when you have small kids) 12/18
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What meal traumatized you as a kid? I’ll start. Liver and onions with a side of peas.
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The fatigue and headache lasted another day; the arm pain lasted for several days, but I was able to go to work the following Monday morning with no issues. I have since had other follow up visits, and so far so good! 15/18
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The study investigators have no idea whether you get the placebo or the vaccine because it is what we call a double-blind study. The investigator does not know, and the patient does not know, thus we are both blinded. I figured I would take my chances. 7/18
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In early October, I presented for the initial visit. I was asked a series of questions and was also given a thorough physical examination. After that, I went through the entire informed consent process. After the consent, I signed up for the trial. 5/18
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I gave in and took a nap. I pulled a huge blanket over me because I was cold (despite the house being 75 degrees!) and I slept for nearly two hours. When I woke up, I was shivering. I had chills. I took my temperature- 101.5F. I had a fever. 13/18
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The first step was a urine pregnancy test, which was negative. Once that was confirmed, I waited for the study product to be prepared. Based on the informed consent, I knew that I had a 50% chance of receiving the placebo and a 50% chance of receiving the vaccine. 6/18
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I had to fill out a study diary describing my symptoms on the day of the injection and several days thereafter; the only symptom I had was a very sore arm after the injection. I didn’t have a headache, or swollen lymph nodes in my armpits. I never had a fever. 9/18
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I’m angry. I’m heartbroken. I am disgusted. I am afraid. I am disappointed, but I am not surprised. The message that we are less than human and our lives are meaningless has been received loud and clear. To
#BreonnaTaylor
’s family, I am so sorry for your loss.
#BlackLivesMatter
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Today I became the first black woman to be elected to the position of Vice President of the New Jersey Society of Pathologists. I’m so excited and so proud.
#BlackWomenInMedicine
are doing big things! Posting a photo with my mom because I know she would be proud!
#RIPMom
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Before I got my shot, I had blood drawn (since the studies need a baseline of your health status before the injection). And then the moment was here. I got the injection. I hung out for a bit after to ensure there was no adverse reaction, and then I went home. 8/18
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A month later (November) I went back for another appointment. I took another pregnancy test (still negative) and had more blood drawn. I then received a second injection. I hung out in the office for a bit again to make sure there was no adverse reaction. I went home. 11/18
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I can’t sleep. In a few short hours, we will lay my father to eternal rest. In lying awake I can avoid it for a few more hours. The inevitability. The final goodbye. I did this almost 22 years ago with my mom. Now I do it one last time. I’ll never be the same.
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Today I was told my MD was trash because I pointed out the adverse health effects racism has on black populations. This includes
#COVID19
where symptomatic black patients were more likely to be sent home w/o a test. Racism kills, and it isn’t always a bullet.
#BlackLivesMatter
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I give up today. 4 years of med school, 4 years of residency, 1 year of fellowship, and 13 years in practice is just not enough anymore.
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If you’re going to become a physician, I have a suggestion. Take some courses in race and gender relations and studies in undergrad. Learn about the struggles of
#URM
&
#LGBTQIA
+. I promise you it will make you a better physician.
#FutureDocs
#AcademicMedicine
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I have cried reading slides for my patients. I cried because I knew what the diagnosis would mean. The job of a
#Pathologist
is not an easy one.
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@LoveyBlue727
I have high blood pressure and am obese (working on that... I have struggled with my weight since I was 26) and I entered the trial. I think it is important to make sure this vaccine works for people like me, and I know there are a lot of us.
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I envy all of you who get to see this on their phone. I love and miss you mom. Every day.
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A long time ago I was told girls can’t be doctors. Yeah? Look at me now. Never let anyone tell you that you can’t!
#WomenPhysiciansDay
#WomenPhysicians
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14 years ago I began my journey as an attending pathologist. I had only three goals. 1. To write a book. 2. To become a department chair by the time I turned 55. I blew that one out of the water. 3. To reach the rank of Professor by 45. With just 7 days to spare, I made it!
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Happy Loving Day ❤️! Today marks the 55th anniversary of the Loving v. Virginia case, which made interracial marriage legal in the US. People forget that this happened in our lifetime. My husband was just 3 months old. Let us continue to stand for love for all!
#LovingDay
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I worked hard, got amazing grades and step scores, and applied for a residency in orthopaedics. I didn’t match.
I took a chance on pathology. I’m now an orthopaedic pathologist; the same program that didn’t hire me needs me to diagnose bone tumors. Justice.
#ShareAStoryInOneTweet
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It’s telling that any tweets I post regarding
#Racism
have far fewer likes and retweets than all the other things I post. I’m not surprised but I am sad.
#EndSystemicRacism
#UseTheWord
#WeHaveToTalkAboutItToFixIt
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It is with a very heavy heart that I announce the passing of my father, Gerald. He has dealt with a long illness and is finally free of his pain and suffering. There is not a moment that goes by that I don’t miss him, but I am glad he is no longer hurting. Love you Daddy.
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Two weeks ago, I entertained the thought of leaving social media as a physician forever. I felt invisible and ignored. I have used my voice to do what I can to elevate
#BlackWomenInMedicine
and the specialty of
#Pathology
as well as the injustices I saw against people like me.
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Friends, I woke up from a nap to this. And I am over the moon. 😁 sincere thanks to
@MarkHamill
. Holy moly. Ok. Good night Twitterverse. Hoping to go back to sleep!
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My daughter made this mermaid with air-dry clay. She asked me to share it with you, so here you go.
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Two years ago I was asked to serve as interim chair of the Departments of Pathology
@Rutgers_NJMS
and
@RWJMS
. There have been many ups and downs, but a dream was realized. Today I was named Joint Chair!
#PathTwitter
#MedTwitter
#AllOfTwitter
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2 years, 1 month, and 17 days after saying yes, I just uploaded the very last chapter. I am done with the first draft of this book. Tonight, I will celebrate with some craft beer. Tomorrow I will make cookies with my babies.
#BSTPath
#PathTwitter
#MedTwitter
#AcademicMedicine
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Twitter family... I am delighted to announce that I will serve as interim chair of the Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine at
@Rutgers_NJMS
as well as at the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at
@RWJMS
.
#BlackWomenInMedicine
#MedTwitter
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Pfizer produced Viagra and everyone seemed to be ok with that...
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Before I was a doctor, I was a black woman trying to find my way in this world. I am still a black woman trying to find my way in this world. I was born black and I will die black, and I am grateful for every moment on this earth.
#ImBlackAndImProud
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Conversation with my daughter:
M: What’s wrong mom? You look sad.
Me: it’s nothing. Just people on Twitter calling me fat again.
M: Mom. You’re not fat. You’re thick. You’re beautiful. And I know you lost weight. You’re beautiful and the best. Me: Thx baby.
#FromTheMouthsOfBabes
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I am a Black woman in medicine. I speak my truth. My MD doesn’t just disappear when I post on social media, or when I walk down the street. Neither does my blackness. I will continue to speak my truth. If that makes you uncomfortable, you need to do the deep dive within yourself.
Doctors excel at treating people with disease. That is our calling. Political activism is fine, but it ought be done only as private citizens. I agree with Dr. Satel >
(Kudos to
@Yascha_Mounk
for starting Persuasion)
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Let’s dissect this, shall we? I’ll keep it simple. This is racism. I have been a physician for 20 years. I have always strived to do the best for my patients. I have accomplished much despite the hurdles. I reject this nonsense and shame on them for posting!
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My kids love fresh fruit, so as a treat, I put fruit on mini popsicle sticks and freeze them. The kids LOVE these. They get a healthy snack and they're happy. I usually freeze strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and grapes.
#HealthySnacks
#COVID19
#LifeHacks
#HappyKids
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Happy Loving Day ❤️!
Today, June 12th, 2023 marks the 56th anniversary of the
#LovingVVirginia
case, which made interracial marriage legal across the US. People tend to forget that this is something that happened in our lifetimes. My husband was just 3 months old.
#LovingDay
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I wrote this piece for
@pathologistmag
and I want to share it with all of you. Happy to have your comments. Tagging
@docmosho
@DrQuinnCapers4
@DrJRMarcelin
for thoughts too.
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Racism is a public health issue. The stress of racism is detrimental to those who are the target. As a pathologist, I am proud to lend my voice to this important topic. Before I was a pathologist, I was a physician. As a doctor, this is my lane.
#DenounceRacism
#RacismKills
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Dear patient, I spent hours reading your biopsy, selecting appropriate immunohistochemical stains, and reviewing genetics data to properly diagnose your Ewing sarcoma. You may not meet me but I care deeply for you. I am your
#Pathologist
.
Dear patient, I spent hours using a microscope to find a super tiny bug in your biopsy so we could figure out what caused that lump in your lung. I can assure you it is an infection, not cancer. You will not meet me but I care for you deeply. I am your
#pathologist
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No. No no no no no. This needs to be retracted IMMEDIATELY. This so-called commentary is peer-reviewed
#Racism
. Enough is enough.
Man, this got published in the year of our lord, 2020 ...
h/t:
@ZParolin
via
@agoodmanbacon
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@DrDrStrange
After I had the symptoms he is fully convinced I got the vaccine and he is jealous because he wants it! It’s really important to acknowledge history (and talk about it!) so that we can learn from it and build the necessary trust to encourage people to get vaccinated.
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In light of this being Match Week, I want to tell a story. A story of not matching. Not matching is more common than you think, and many who do not match don’t want to share their stories. So I will share mine.
#PathMatch21
#MatchDay2021
1/15
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I love that
@HERMusicx
is singing America the Beautiful at
#SuperBowl
. Her voice is BEAUTIFUL!
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I’m wearing my pearls today to support our future Vice President,
@KamalaHarris
! This is an exciting day!
#Inauguration2021
#Inauguration
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This is me and my dad almost 10 years ago at my wedding. Today, he received his first dose of the
@moderna_tx
vaccine. In 4 weeks, will take him for his second dose. I am so excited that he is getting closer to immunity! I am so glad he listened to me!
#COVID19
#CovidVaccine
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I love being a pathologist. I love helping people, even if they have no idea I am helping them. I have a great job!
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Teachers are some of the hardest working people on Earth.
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While in my local supermarket today, in a sea of maskless faces, a lady asked me why I was still wearing a mask. I replied-to protect my unvaccinated children. When she heard my voice, her eyes got wide. She said, hey! I saw you on Morning Joe! You were in the trial!
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I asked my husband what he wants for his birthday (it’s today). His response- I don’t want to hear We Don’t Talk about Bruno today. That’s cheap and I have collected all the kids’ devices. Happy birthday babe!
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I love my hair. That’s it. That’s the whole tweet.
#BlackWomenInMedicine
#BlackIsBeautiful
#NaturalHair
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No, my career wasn’t handed to me because I am black. I promise you that is not now this works. I earned every bit of what I have accomplished.
#YesPeopleSayThat
#BlackintheIvory
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This is cool 😍
The Courier has named Dr. Valerie Fitzhugh
@DrFNA
one of "the heroes of 2020," for her participation in a
#COVID19
vaccine trial, and for raising awareness of the need for better representation in clinical trials.
#NJMSproud
@RWJMS
@RutgersBHS
@RutgersU
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This beautiful woman is my mom. She passed from colon cancer in 2001 at just 49 years old. Three years ago, I had my first colonoscopy (a little late) and at that time I had 3 polyps; a hyperplastic polyp, a tubular adenoma, and a tubulovillous adenoma. 1/3
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Ok, no. Absolutely not. Healthcare disparities and socioeconomic factors have far more to do with
#COVID19
transmission in the Black community. We need to do better
#MedTwitter
. Let’s stop this right now.
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I keep seeing posts today with people getting upset about us saying
#BlackLivesMatter
. We never said other lives don’t matter. We’ve never said other lives matter less. We know all lives matter. We just want people to realize our lives matter too. Sigh.
#Tired
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Here’s what I want for my birthday (it’s tomorrow). I want a follow from Bubba Wallace. I’m a huge fan. Can we make this happen?
#MedTwitter
#PathTwitter
#AllOfTwitter
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Ah... Nothing like getting blocked because I chose to point out that only 5% of US physicians are Black, yet we make up about 14% of the US population. It is what it is. No reason to get salty because you don’t like the response. This is our reality.
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Just so you know, you are good enough, you are amazing, and you are something special. Don’t let anyone ever tell you otherwise!
#GoodEnough
#SmartEnough
#Amazing
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For those who are saying I got vaccinated because I am fat... Actually, I got vaccinated in a clinical trial, so that others would consider following suit once they saw the vaccine was safe. If you can get vaccunated, please do. The life you save may be your own.
#COVIDVaccines
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I want to tell you the other side of Match Day. The not matching side. We focus so much on the perceived success of matching, but not matching has affected my ability to attend match day (The photo is me with an amazing dermatologist, Rahat Azfar, MD on our Match Day in 2004).
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