My Sung Hero

by Corey Whelan

 

So I want to talk about my friend Mark.  I met Mark in a cold country, which works for him because a) he skis and b) he has the clothes for it.  Me, not so much.  However, after many conversations and many years I’ve gotten to know this man very well, and wanted to share some of what I know with you.

Mark is a warrior and served his country proudly in the Army.  But that “Used to be a soldier warrior fierceness” has since metabolized into a fierce warrior like caring for his patients.  Do or die.  That is the level of his commitment to those he serves.

Mark is kind.  I am honor bound to not tell you about most of the good stuff he does behind the scenes in our world.  If I broke rank and told, Mark would be the feature lead story on 60 Minutes and in People Magazine.  Suffice it to say, for Mark, no man gets left behind.  No patient gets left behind either.  Sorry I can’t say more but I do want you to know that this man is guided by faith, and conscience.  .

Mark is honorable.  He says what he means and he means what he says.  End of story.

Mark is my friend.

The AFA is honoring Mark Bush, M.D., at Illuminations Denver this year.  I am writing this blog post on my plane on the way to Denver, but opted not  to WIIFI on this trip (glorious freedom) so I will publish this post as soon as I can.  (The glorious not connected freedom never lasts for too long).

Oh, and one more thing.  The folks at The AFA and the folks at Mark’s practice, Conceptions Reproductive Associates of Colorado, really dig each other.  In many ways, we are all renegades in this field, and we recognize that in each other.  We all do what needs to be done, we all go where it is needed that we go.  BPA and repro health?  Let’s talk about it.  Toxic nail salons and infertility?  Done. Infertility Prevention and Women Not Ever Needing an RE?  Yup, we go there too.  And towards that end, Mark Bush, M.D. is one of the only docs that I know that would use his time to talk to college women about infertility prevention.   Our gig tomorrow is at the University of Colorado at Boulder and Mark, Brenda, Ken Mosesian and myself will be speaking to young men and women about not ever needing to become patients.  Some RE’s I know if asked to do that, just wouldn’t feel it a good use of their time.  Not a good marketing opp.  Oh hush, of course not all, there are tons of unsung heroes in our field but let me tell you, Mark jumped on this opportunity, again, on behalf of young women everywhere and for The AFA.   He jumped on this non ROI, educational opportunity, for which I want to publicly say, thank you.  For all the unsung heroes out there, you are my sung one.

 And he’s done this kind of thing, behind the scenes, with The AFA for years. 

 So hat’s off to you, Mark.  You deserve to be honored.  We are honored to know you. Hat’s off to you, Dr. Bush, and to your team of amazing renegade thinkers and doers..  Ski hat’s, of course.

 See you tomorrow.

Comments

[Ken Mosesian]

What a great - and accurate - tribute to Mark, Corey. Thanks for calling out those in this field who do good for the sake of doing good. BTW, it was a fantastic event!

[Cyndi Gross]

I love hearing about doctors who are driven by their passion to serve others, instead of serving themselves. We often focus on the inhumanity of our caregivers. It is so refreshing to read about someone who definitely puts his patients first! By the way, I love the idea of teaching infertility prevention. What a wonderful way to encourage men and women to take responsibility for their own health and future. Hats off to ALL of you!