A Christian from Egypt: Life Story of a Neurosurgeon Pursuing the Dreams for Quintuple Certifications

By Rhamsis F. Ghaly

A CHRISTIAN FROM EGYPT

LIFE STORY

RAMSIS F. GHALY, MD, FACS


This is my life story as a Coptic Christian, born and raised in Egypt in an environment of limited opportunities and scarce resources, especially for Christian minorities. Seeking the promise opportunity, I came to the United States nearly 30 years ago as a young man. As I flew westward on the plane, it did not occur to me that I would become a prominent neurosurgeon with a practice in one of the great cities of America. Nor did I anticipate that I would ever be in a position to fight for save lives and fight for patients lives, protecting them from the specter of financial greed permeates the health care industry.
This book chronicles my journey in America from my early struggles to get past closed doors to my current practice serving the mission set before me with uncompromising zeal and devotion. Eventually I became a prominent American neurosurgeon among the only 4000 active nationwide and the only one nationally and internationally to achieve five board certifications in five acknowledged medical disciplines.
My story takes the reader through my first hand experiences through the eight health care systems, and Chicagos history of neuroscience over the last three decades, providing an in-depth view of the medical practices in the surrounding suburban communities. My book also includes the lessons that I have learned, my personal views and patient testimonials. What I have faced and seen since my plane landed in this country in 1984 is almost inexpressible. It is my sincere wish that others may find hope and inspiration from my story, as well as an understanding of the challenges that the healthcare industry faces today along with my own passion for excellence in neuroscience as I confront them.
I owe my success to God, to my cherished parents, my teachers, my mentors and most importantly, my beloved patients.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 23, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503534551

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Copyright © 2015 by RAMSIS F. GHALY, MD, FACS.

ISBN:            Hardcover      978-1-5035-3809-2

                      Softcover       978-1-5035-3456-8

                      eBook            978-1-5035-3455-1

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, King James Version, KJV (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright © 1983 by The Zondervan Corporation.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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Rev. date: 01/20/2015

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CONTENTS

Chapter 1   Deep Thoughts From The Heart: Personal Thoughts Being Raised In Egypt; Early And Late Memories Outside Egypt: MY NEUROSCIENCE JOURNEY

Chapter 2   Adjustments And Experiences: The Earlier Days, Weeks, And Years In America; The New Comers Syndrome

Chapter 3   My Lifetime Unrelenting Passion To Neuroscience: The Neuroscience Journey; Quintuple Board Certifications.

Chapter 4   Internal Challenges: Blessed-Based Medicine And Power Of Medical Intuitions, It Is No Longer For Money

Chapter 5   Healthcare Concerns, Debates And Views: My Life Journey Through Eight Healthcare Systems

Chapter 6   Dire Need For Patients’ Advocate Organization In The Era Of Corporate Medicine And Patient Empowerment

Chapter 7   Voicing The Views Of Constitutional Good Medicine: Buck The System

Chapter 8   Testimonials: Friends And Patients Throughout My Healthcare Journey

CHAPTER 1

DEEP THOUGHTS FROM THE HEART: PERSONAL THOUGHTS BEING RAISED IN EGYPT; EARLY AND LATE MEMORIES OUTSIDE EGYPT: MY NEUROSCIENCE JOURNEY

PERSONAL THOUGHTS

LIFE OF TRUTH: Christ emphasized the value and the life of truth and He is the truth and many verses talked about the truth: (John 1: 14) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:17) For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. (John 3: 21) But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. (John 4:23-24) But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 5:33) Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. (John 8:32) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8: 40) But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. (John 8:44) Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. (John 8:45-46) And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?. John 14: 6) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:17) Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (John 15:26) But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: (John 16:7) Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. John 16:13) Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (John 17:17) Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. (John 17:19) And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. (John 18: 37) Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. John 18:38) Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all."

LIFE OF DREAMS: The dream of a person should be big as Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp poet Robert Browning. I was as among a ten- member family together in one house under one roof not knowing what it means and what will be. To come the time, I found myself in the midst of harshness of life and souring of reality by myself. I came to a conclusion like many of us is "You never know, your destiny; where we going to start, to go and to end!". We just pray for God mercy and grace. Listen to St Paul preaching in Romans; {8:27} And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God. {8:28} And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose. {8:29} For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. {8:30} Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified (Romans 8: 27-30). One of the assuring of verses of God know each of us even before we born and put us in the path that best fit: Before I formed thee in the belly, I know thee; and before thou camest forth, out of the womb, I sanctify thee; and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nation (Jeremiah 1:5). What remains from the past is the foundation you brought up with and limited personal experiences. But you also get to learn that God has the almighty hand, opens when no one can close and closes when no one can open as said: And the key of the house of David, will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open (Isiah 22:22) and I know thy work: Behold I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it (Revelation 3:8). Knowing that you get to learn nothing is impossible with Him and miracles can occur regardless of the human calculations: {Luke 18:27} And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God

But also we learned not to listen to God choice to us. Many times, I asked myself why I found myself going into these routes. I was a resident in a place and an attending in other place. I lift my home town and friends; I went to Chicago and did not go Harvard and many choices I found myself taking these decisions. But later I got to understand the wisdom of God and what things worked out the way it did. St Paul said {1:19} For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. {1:20} Where [is] the wise? where [is] the scribe? where [is] the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? {1:21} For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe (1 Corinthians 1:19-21) It was hard in many days in the past even now to understand the destiny placed before me. I? asked why and when and I did not necessarily heard a reply. Weekly attendance of Pope Shenouda speech was one of great comfort, strength and education sermons since I was 16 years old. Many lessons I learned, one of them is waiting in the Lord Wait in the Lord (Psalm 27:14) My life like many other people passed through valleys and mountains, waves and shores, drought and green, sun killing hot and strong harsh cold, in freezing rains and strong winds to sitting in a good breeze nice weather in a green land. If everything is perfect and eternal, it will not be called earth. The best is lift at the end. St Paul taught us about the harshness but chastization that allowed before each of us as well as our destiny: hebrews{12:5} And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: {12:6} For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. {12:7} If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? Each one of us was called for a mission. It is really real and substantiation. You have to have a purpose in life. I got to believe this, early I just hear it but later I got to listen and see it. What kept me going is the purpose and mission that was placed before me. How do we know our reasons in life/ A question I was always asked myself specially as you get through the turoil age of adolescence and maturity. But I also find myself asking again frequently at each stage of my life. Reexamining your mission always tough for me, I regret for not doing– or I should have done–-. But it wakes you up when you are drifted. I found certain consistent things about the mission and purpose of each person: the mission should be substantial, have only goodness in it, based on unconditional love and give to mankind, It matches well your gifts and bring good reasoning to your circumstances, to clear mind it brings good meanings to the big picture, it should be clear and feasible to you. The more you accomplish the more purposes comes to you, feeling rewards for your existence and cause to keep living. If you follow it right and not wasting time, it keeps getting stronger, it teaches determination, persistence and it teaches you how to suffer. By no means missions are all easy and come to you in a platter. It keeps mystery part to it and keeps your mind searching and searching. Saint Paul said in Romans{8:27} And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God. {8:28} And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose. {8:29} For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. {8:30} Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

LIFE OF TALENTS: In our life journeys, every one of us got a pass that fits best his given talents. Each human being has a brain of unique to him or her and carries the persona with specific gifts and talents. St Paul described the different talented brains yet attached to one body of Christ: {12:1} Now concerning spiritual [gifts,] brethren, I would not have you ignorant. {12:2} Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. {12:3} Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and [that] no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. {12:4} Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. {12:5} And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. {12:6} And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. {12:7} But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. {12:8} For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; {12:9} To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; {12:10} To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: {12:11} But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. {12:12} For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also [is] Christ. {12:13} For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. {12:14} For the body is not one member, but many. {12:15} If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? {12:16} And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? {12:17} If the whole body [were] an eye, where [were] the hearing? If the whole [were] hearing, where [were] the smelling? {12:18} But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. {12:19} And if they were all one member, where [were] the body? {12:20} But now [are they] many members, yet but one body. {12:21} And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. {12:22} Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: {12:23} And those [members] of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely [parts] have more abundant comeliness. {12:24} For our comely [parts] have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that [part] which lacked: {12:25} That there should be no schism in the body; but [that] the members should have the same care one for another. {12:26} And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. {12:27} Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. {12:28} And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. {12:29} [Are] all apostles? [are] all prophets? [are] all teachers? [are] all workers of miracles? {12:30} Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? {12:31} But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way." (1 Corinthians 12: 1-31)

Our talents are not only inherited but also acquired. We have to work hard to earn the gifts and talents through our life journey as St Paul said: Follow after charity, and desire spiritual [gifts,] but rather that ye may prophesy. {14:2} For he that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth [him;] howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. {14:3} But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men [to] edification, and exhortation, and comfort. {14:4} He that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. {14:5} I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater [is] he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. {14:6} Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? {14:7} And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? {14:8} For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? {14:9} So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. {14:10} There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them [is] without signification. {14:11} Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh [shall be] a barbarian unto me. {14:12} Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual [gifts,] seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. {14:13} Wherefore let him that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue pray that he may interpret. {14:14} For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. {14:15} What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. {14:16} Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? {14:17} For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. {14:18} I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: {14:19} Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that [by my voice] I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an [unknown] tongue. {14:20} Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. {14:21} In the law it is written, With [men of] other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. {14:22} Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying [serveth] not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. {14:23} If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in [those that are] unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? {14:24} But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or [one] unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: {14:25} And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on [his] face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. {14:26} How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. {14:27} If any man speak in an [unknown] tongue, [let it be] by two, or at the most [by] three, and [that] by course; and let one interpret. {14:28} But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. {14:29} Let the prophets speak two or revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. {14:31} For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. {14:32} And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. {14:33} For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. {14:34} Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but [they are commanded] to be under obedience, as also saith the law. {14:35} And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. {14:36} What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? {14:37} If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. {14:38} But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. {14:39} Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. {14:40} Let all things be done decently and in order. {15:1} Moreover, brethren, had rather speak five words with my understanding, that [by my voice] I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an [unknown] tongue. {14:20} Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. {14:21} In the law it is written, With [men of] other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. {14:22} Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying [serveth] not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. {14:23} If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in [those that are] unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? {14:24} But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or [one] unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: {14:25} And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on [his] face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. {14:26} How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. {14:27} If any man speak in an [unknown] tongue, [let it be] by two, or at the most [by] three, and [that] by course; and let one interpret. {14:28} But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. {14:29} Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. {14:30} If [any thing] be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. {14:31} For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. {14:32} And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. {14:33} For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. {14:34} Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but [they are commanded] to be under obedience, as also saith the law. {14:35} And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. {14:36} What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? {14:37} If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. {14:38} But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. {14:39} Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. {14:40} Let all things be done decently and in order. (1 Corinthian 14: 1-40)

We all will be asked about how we trade our talents as Christ put it well in His parable "15] And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. [16] Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. [17] And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. [18] But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. [19] After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. [20] And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. [21] His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. [22] He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. [23] His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. [24] Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: [25] And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. [26] His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: [27] Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. [28] Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. [29] For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. [30] And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth "Mathew 25: 15-30). We kneel to the Almighty and He looks from above and distribute His gifts according to His grace and mercy "{9:15} For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. {9:16} So then [it is] not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy (Romans 9:15-16) and Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? {9:20} Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed [it,] Why hast thou made me thus? {9:21} Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? (Romans 9:17-21) and "–and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy" (Exodus 33:19) and not according to our goodiness because; "{3:10} As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: {3:11} There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. {3:12} They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. {3:13}. r throat [is] an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps [is] under their lips: {3:14} Whose mouth [is] full of cursing and bitterness: {3:15} Their feet [are] swift to shed blood: {3:16} Destruction and misery [are] in their ways: {3:17} And the way of peace have they not known: {3:18} There is no fear of God before their eyes." (Romans 10-18) and "{3:23} For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; {Romans 3:24} "and For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. {3:11} But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, [it is] evident: for, the just shall live by faith (Galatins 3: 10-11) The we all sin—aul and God gives His gifts to all "That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. {Matthew 5:46} No one knows the future and no one can foretell what will happen unless God reveal it to him. I am always amazed when you reflect back in your life in stages and see the orchestration and super human nature intervention to lead it to a certain way. Back then, I had no idea why things happened in certain way but later on I realize why. I could not have climbed the mountains without making the appropriate steps one by one. I could not have tolerated the harshness if I did not have tasted the misery early on. I could not have appreciated the freedom if it was not taken from me initially. I could not have appreciated patients suffering and sickness unless I have went through and saw it with my own eyes first. I could not have valued resources unless I was deprived from them early. My mother always said, You can run and run in the speed of the horse but you never ran away from your destiny and what is written for you in the book of life. I had no idea when I started to recognize meaning of life that my destiny would be.

THE ERA OF GLOBILZATION: The world meant to be one and globalization is almost expected to occur. It is meant for people to intermingle and for the human genes to be mixed from one tribe to another. Even when the world of large and number of population is small, people still immigrated to other lands. By the time genesis chapter 12, Abraham is already preparing to go to another land and leave his home town as God revealed to him: {Gensis 12:1} Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: {12:2} And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: {12:3} And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. {12:4} So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram [was] seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. {12:5} And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came. This is becoming so true nowadays specially by the development of information technology. Over the years people immigrated for so many years. The person that is not appreciated by his own people or in his own town may do better in a a new immigrated land. The gospel said: "And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and in his own house" (Matthew 13:57) The unfortunate people that one time thought to be inferior in their land made great success and established magnificent countries and God bless their children such as what happen to Australia and united states of America. In fact, close relationship marriages have higher incidence of inherited diseases. I join many people that had to leave their country and moved to USA, the land that made possible for me to achieve all my academic degrees and live in the economical class that I would have never been able to do otherwise. I would have never become a neurosurgeon or come close to achieve the five board certifications and live in a standard to meet the masters. I could not believe that within three years of arrival after working in restaurants, I was able to go to national meeting meet face to face to professors and be on the discussant table and also dine with them. Listen to David the king when said: [7] He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; [8] That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people. [9] He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD. By moving to a new culture is not that easy and you lost the comfort level on the spot. You have to work hard to earn the trust and comfort and pay your dues before you even get your recognition. In the new land you come to know extremely well your weaknesses and poverty but you dream for the future and you count in God mercy. You try to start a new page and be on the right track and stay away from the unrighteousness and easy ways and attempt to overcome the earthly temptation remembering the Gospel: {Luke 13:24} Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.. After all you listen to God voice to you in the midst of your hardship: He said unto me, my grace is sufficient for the: my strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) in the new land many times you fall one after another and you think you came to a dead wall and all your dreams come down to nothing and you feel disappointed and you have no one to rest in his or her shoulder except the voice of God saying to you: (Luke 11:9} And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. {11:10} For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened I remember these days early one and even now I am still learning about the new culture. There is something about where you born and raised in the first 18 years of your life. After that it is hard to grasp in every aspect of the new culture. One of the best struggles that I faced is when I do not know what to do in many situations. I kept asking myself, should you do this or that. You then you come to realize you are in your own and you will be fully responsible to your actions and no one to share to lift any burden from you. You also come to realize do I am doing what I was asked to do and should do or I deserve what the bible said: "Having eyes, do not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? (Mark 8:18)

God can be seen through our daily activities through many things. We can see Him in patients, in prisoners, in needy, in thirst and hunger people. In our earthly life journey, we can not only get to know God but see Him, hear Him, taste Him, walk with Him, converse with Him as He eloquently put it in this parable; "[34] Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: [35] For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:[36] Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. [37] Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? [38] When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? [39] Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? [40] And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. [41] Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: [42] For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: [43] I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. [44] Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? [45] Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. [46] And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal." (Mathew 25:34-46)

Yet, Moses believed of the invisible God yet he saw the work of God. I am always amazed to how prophet Moses after working so hard and consecrate himself day and night came so close to the Lord but not to see His Face: as described in Exodus 24 (And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount. [16] And the glory of the LORD abode upon Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud. [17] And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel. [18] And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights (Exodus 24:15-18) and also said in Exodus 33 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. [19] And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. [20] And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. [21] And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: [22] And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: [23] And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen(Exodus 33: 18-23). God He knows it all and nothing hidden from Him and He wants the best for me. He is the most capable God and nothing impossible for Him. He will never ask for something in return and He will never do something to me to expect in return. He loves me and loved me first and all He wanted is to Love Him and to know Him, the loving Holly trinity. I still want to grow to see Him and to know Him more. I have seen Him in every of my patients. Each patient come in my way, I see Jesus in him or her and ask Him what I should do. When I was young, I got discouraged to keep hearing from the church minister that tomorrow you will die and you need to donate money—"I prayed to the loving God and searched and I found the magnificent preacher, Holiness Pope Shenouda who had exceptional love to Christ and transmit Jesus love to you and make it practical for your daily living. I attended every Friday for two hours listening to his holiness back before he became a pope 1972 and after. Closer and closer, I get to draw my ways in life and reshape my future considering each step. I fell down to many times, yet He picked me up from my hand and her again I am strong and stands upright. He will wipe my tears in my small hiding cell while others did not care but even did not know. He will whisper in my ears in the time when I need guidance or mingled in my failure. He never disappointed me or let me down. I came closer to Him when I lived in abstinence life and deprived from the luxury of the kings. You see God hands in each patient and I learn something and importantly that I have a new family member. I got to know many and I got to enjoy much of rewards that otherwise I will have never become part of their lives.

Life goes on. None of us can stop it but each of us can make a difference. As we get older, we live in what we did in the past and what we accomplished. All achievements keep us going through the harshness of the older age. I started to realize that each patient and each resident one day will leave me and only the memory will live. So I started to take photos of events and each patient and thus far, I collected thousands and thousands of photos. I kept and displayed gifts, litters, awards and every blessed write up with each person name. My office became like a small church as some patients said or small museum yet for me it is the testament of God work and love of patients and my family that I will forever be gratitude to. How much I should thank Pope Benedict the sixteenth, or Vatican, for his valuable apostolic blessing gift without even see me in person, just heard of the work that I do? It has blessed my practice and continues to do. Thank you your holiness and God keep for many years. I was told when I was employed by health care organization that these displays are domination and offence to people and patients. Yet, when I had my own practice and had the courage to display all, they became the joy and wealth material of experiences to read for all patients. I will always see USA encourage small business and each person way of life and work. It is something I was deprived from early years.

At some point, you get to know firsthand that if God in it, it will always work and His hand is so reliable that you do not have to think twice. The future and career of a person will be so much better if God in it and building it. David the prophet found that out and said in his psalm 127; "[1] Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. [2] It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. [3] Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. [4] As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. [5] Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. Medicine is a sacred vocation and not a job or business. It was the foundation of my mission but also of many. No better example to describe the medical profession that the example of Good Samaritan And the people, when they knew [it,] followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.(Luke 9:11) But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion [on him, {10:34} And went to [him,] and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. {10:35} And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave [them] to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. {10:33-36}

HUMILITY FROM NATURE: Some may rightly believe through Grand Canyon, they can see the greatness of God. Some may believe through the universe, they can see the magnificent of God the creator. But I will always see the Almighty great hand and unimaginable power through the creation of human brain. You can see His hand but wait until you see the spiritual brain, the glorified resurrected brain of mankind in the life to come. I stand before the brain and nervous system and I kneel with humility to His greatness. From outside and on the surface, the brain looks quiet, peaceful and has no voice but inside billions of communicating signals travel through and connecting to each other. When I administer anesthetic agents to a patient, in seconds, he looks gone and unresponsive when I woke him up from anesthesia first he looks no life and in seconds, he comes back with life. All occurs within the brain, you can be dead like if the brain is shut even if your heart is beating and lung is oxygenating. Externally, you cannot hear the brain or see the signals but all occurs at the molecular area unseen by naked eyes. Billions of signals and circuits are in action continuously and in special order. No wonder why the brain metabolism is so high that a small organ like the brain 1500 grams require a quarter of the heart output to keep up with the brain needs. A deprivation of oxygen and nutrients to the brain for 5minutes are sufficient to kill the brain and never recover back. Full of mystery is the brain, A quiet from outside and in high metabolic function insides. Let us take an example; What does happen inside your brain when you cry? What does happen in your brain when you laugh? What does happen inside your brain when you sadden? What does happen in your brain when you smile? When I look scientifically and philosophically, I cannot help but to tell you, in human brain God created a well developed, respected with higher values and mature standing complex emotional circuits connecting various parts of the brain together (frontal, temporal, thalamus, lenticulo-striate and midbrain some we know such as Papez circuit and some we do not know. God place human emotionalism in high regards. There are two centers, one for sadness, tears, cries and it is close to the soul of the brain and another for joy, smile and laugh. The desired center is by neuro-chemicals activate the corresponding system and evoke neuro-signals resulting in a smile or sadness. Emotions are affected by demographic factors including age, sex, race, gender, culture, development and inherited factors. Emotions circuits take years to develop, a cry from a baby do not have the same substance and meaning when an adult cry. An elder smile carries meaning different from a child smiling and evoked by different reasons. Emotions circuits can be affected by pathological conditions such as laughing for no good reason, smile for no appropriate cause, cry and fear from no objective cause, mix laugh and cry in the same time.

DAILY LIVING OF BRIEF DEPARTURE: TRANSIENT SEPERATION FROM AWAKE STATE RESEMBLANCE OF DEATH: Since childhood we learned in the church that death is a gate to go our eternal life and be with Christ the Lord forever. We learned we should not fear death specially sacrificing our daily life for Jesus Christ. The daily hardship and torture, we consider them pluses to ear Christ and live happily in the life thereafter. This provided away to cope with the daily persecution and preferential treatment against Christians. As I was growing started to hear about people went to sleep and never woke up from sleep. I got more and more in deep thoughts of what happen to people as they transient from sleep to awake state or from coma to wakefulness and to the extreme of the dying person and transient to the next life. Looking around, many preparations and examples around us daily basis and remind us with the coming day of death. For instance the daily sleep that takes our mind out of reality and almost out of our daily experiences. The brain concussion as a result of an accident or stroke where patients be in a coma and their mind are taken away from the life we live in. The near death experiences where the person closes to death and yet comes back to his flesh and live for another little while. Many of us do not like to think about death till it comes and others like to prepare for it. The ancient Egyptians dedicated their lives to build pyramids and high rank places for what after life. My minds always get into deep thoughts with altered mental status and separation of the flesh from the soul, the awake and dead, the alert and the sleep–. I was joyful to find the thoughts of some of the philosophers speak about the topic such as Philosopher Michel De Montaigne It is not without reason that we are taught to consider sleep as a resemblance of death; with how great facility do we pass from waking to sleeping and how little concern do we lose the knowledge of light and of ourselves. Per adventure, the facility of sleeping would seem useless and contrary to nature, since it deprives us of all action and sentiment. Philosopher Michel De Montaigne.

BEING RAISED IN EGYPT

The parents of ten children: My father and mother were both gifted and blessed Parents. The summary of their strength and success to raise us all is the power of prayers and their closeness to to God; {Matthew 7:7} Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: {7:8} For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. {7:9} Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? {7:10} Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? {7:11} If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? {7:12} Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. They raised us all by their sacrifice and we could not pay them back. They both worked for their life to come. Our merciful Lord said to them and all the loving parents: {Matthew6:19} Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: {6:20} But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: {6:21} For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. {6:22}. They were different and had their own ways. We were fortunate to be raised by them learning the uniqueness of each and be blessed by them.

MY FATHER: Early on, he was working in the cloth manufacturing and then became a teacher of arts, principal of high school and teacher to the blind. He was a goal oriented, walk on my feet, and earn every penny, content, listen more, save for tomorrow. So smart and minded brain with education, teaching, loved draw photos, paintings, diagrams and arts, administrative work and brainstorming. Eager to carry and manage responsibilities and can be accountable and dependable. At some point he was supporting almost 20 family members. He was Very patience and never in hurry. He puts God first in every task. As far as he remember he always been working and supporting his family. No worry where you sleep or study, results what matter, firm, respect rules and regulations, traditional, love security and governmental position, not risk taking, wise, hard-working, not ashamed to do any type of work or to be poor, not to show yourself or your superiority, respect poverty, no rest (always said it is meant for me to be warrior, fighter) or (I work like a donkey that never sleep or res), man of the house, able to support all, loyalty, limited budget, no worry, pray all time, sing David psalms all day. My dad learned by heart all church hymns and able to sing one by one and also the deacons reply and rehearsal. He will not hesitate to find any opportunity to save money including a penny, a penny will help in the time of need He always concern about time of need an retirement. Preparation prior to any event, bags and packing all nights, loves ties and matching with ties. He was blessed in his endurance to work continuously, to walk in his feet tirelessly with no rest and no food or drink. His determination to support the family sole made him away from home from 6am to 12midnight. We missed him and he missed us but as he always said eating the bread is bitter I.e working hard to make money even for bread is so difficult. He also believed the right way is the hardest way and you should expect and stay in it to the end: {Matthew 7:13} Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide [is] the gate, and broad [is] the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: {7:14} Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." He loved vegetarian food; he could cook and fix simple vegetarian meals. It was affordable to all people but animal meet, chicken and to an extent fish was expensive. He loved painting and history and geography. No war or event and he will not know. He starts his day so early despite late nights with day or time off. He was fearless.

My father artistic work: We were introduced early on paintings, designs, artist by my dad. He loved well known artists Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo such as the Christian pictures, last super, helmets, horses, --. My father did beautiful oil painting of my mother and it was placed on a very high above the desk. It was fascinating to me to see how you can stage the art work, sculptures and drawing i.e. when you start draw the eye, nose, look from the side, make things closer, farther. In other words, how artistic work starts from scratch and follow piece by piece till the mature artistic product. Whatever, he did at home, we helped him. I remember when he did long paintings, placed in the floor of the house and be folded. The hands took a big page, the foot another page. It did help my imagination, fantasy and be analytical. It helped me to become closer and understood components of the drawing and analyze the body parts. He worked much in sculptures and clay and painting. He kept my hands and skills going since I was a child. I remember it became about politicians and enthusiasm of wars against Israel. Egyptian flag, patriotism, long and oil painted picture of president Gamal Nasr. He was genius in all forms of arts, but it was not well-respected profession and limited earnings. We always considered as a hobby to do arts. Again, the information and technology of arts were limited. In addition my dad used to like fix things at home, wood work and labor hands. These had given us early exposure to labor and manual work, hand dexterity, being patience, creativity Things would have been so different if early on land of dreams come through and flourish opportunity and curiosity with no punishment.

record.tif

My dad loved to record his children every Christmas and Easter feast. We had the old Turntable recorder with fin turntable needle in a large rolling Cassette kept in safe place out of our sight. First he would gather us and display the old recording and we were able to identify ourselves from years ago. We would get shy and my parent would tell us what to say or ask questions while the turntable was recording. We were curious, how could you hear our voices back from years ago. The device was a mystery but inspiration to look for each year. Over the years the old recorder remained as a valuable memories.

MY MOTHER: Mothers are the greatest loving creature in any human kind. I bow with great respect and adorable to all the mothers of the world. The unconditional love is so special and so real that Christianity all about the love. The true love when someone lay his or her life for another. Is this what parents do? Certainly this what my parents did. It is the love from the parents to