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:
