Hello

It was Wednesday, January 14, 2004 around 10 am. I worked the night before and was sound asleep when I heard a knock at my door. I remember questioning who could possibly be at my door at this time of morning. I opened the door to find my mother and my aunt standing there. We stared at each other for what seemed like minutes, but it was probably more like seconds. I knew instantly. There was only one reason they would fly to Philadelphia unannounced on a Wednesday morning. He was gone. I just screamed, “NO!” I knew that instant my father had died. I didn’t know the details, but I knew he was gone. Before a word was spoken, I knew. That was the day my world changed.

My father, Charles Randle, was my biggest fan and motivator. He believed I would be a doctor from the moment I said it. He purchased my first stethoscope and blood pressure cuff. I was 10 years old with professional medical equipment! Who does that? Charles Randle, that’s who.

As fate would have it, my father died two years before I started medical school. He didn’t get to see me realize this dream. His death inspired me to educate my patients about their healthcare conditions and empower them to make informed decisions and advocate for themselves. My father would have lived a longer life if he had received better education about his conditions and the implications of non-compliance. My father’s untimely death fueled my desire to ensure others have an opportunity to live longer, healthier lives. He is the reason I am committed to patient education and advocacy.