World AIDS Day is a Memorable Occasion and Time for Reflection( continued)
ratio of kidney failure from diabetes. Alzheimer’ s disease, at 5.4 million fatalities, is the sixth leading cause of death in the US.
The lowest point in the history of American public health service was the Tuskegee study, Dr. Satcher reminded. On May 27, 1996 he was at the White House when the remaining six survivors of the socalled“ Tuskegee Experiment” were hosted. At that event, President Clinton offered an official apology.
A full-on testimonial to Dr. Jordan and his pioneering work in AIDS research and treatment then followed. MLK Outpatient Center CEO Yolanda Vera thanked Dr. Jordan for his contributions during an exemplary career. She acknowledged his pioneering work and tenacity of spirit in seeing over 7,000 AIDS patients.
Ms. Vera lauded both the way that he worked as well as his significant accomplishments while confronting and overcoming massive opposition including considerable homophobia. In the end, his results stood out as proof that his approach was the proper course of action.
She noted that doing social justice work makes many people feel uncomfortable. But Dr. Jordan stayed the course as a continuous, unrelenting voice who developed a cohort of support that forced doors to open through exhibiting courage and speaking frankly.
Mario Perez, Director the LA County Division of HIV and STD programs, met Dr. Jordan in 1993. Even then, Dr. Jordan was committed to making sure that his patients were aware of their HIV status, and he made sure that clients received care as quickly as possible. Mr. Perez stated that Dr. Jordan’ s greatest commitment was to saving lives.
Mr. Perez noted that Dr. Jordan was treating HIV / AIDS cases ten years before the launch of World AIDS Day and ten years prior to widespread clinical treatment of the disease.“ Everyone wanted to hear what he had to say, and he was always willing to make a phone call to resolve an issue. In his quest to save lives, he continually challenged ignorance,” Mr. Perez concluded.
Wilbert Jordan, MD, MHP Director, Oasis Clinic and AIDS Program
Provost Steve Michael chose the theme“ Leadership Matters” for his closing remarks. He touted David Satcher as the best Surgeon General that the country has ever known, and referenced his international achievements, in stating,“ Look not for angels with wings, but those with two feet who change lives.”
With respect to Dr. Jordan’ s accomplishments, he stated that no words are sufficient to convey what he has accomplished. He has utilized caring, great knowledge, courage, and perseverance as a man of compassion who did the work while others ran away.
The Provost welcomed Dr. LaShonda Spencer to her post at Drew C. A. R. E. S., and delineated her various accomplishments. Then he issued a challenge: what will the future of HIV / AIDS treatment look like? In closing, he played an excerpt from the song“ My Way” to personalize Dr. Jordan’ s unique professional journey.
A procession of heartfelt, personal tributes from those in attendance followed that recalled their experience with Dr. Jordan. Some thanked him for saving their lives, while others noted that he was willing to bring every possible stakeholder to the fight. By the moment of closing, it was clearly evident that Dr. Jordan connected with a wide sector that included grassroots community activists and church members who brought food to feed indigent HIV / AIDS patients.
CDU College of Medicine | PG. 6