Southeast Texas Medical Associates, LLP James L. Holly, M.D. Southeast Texas Medical Associates, LLP


Letters - John Fulkerson: Response To Dean of Dental School and to Retirement Dinner from a Friend from 1967 at Baylor
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Larry & Carolyn: I have devoured the postings of your retirement. I am incredibly impressed and not the least bit surprised. A remarkable life and yes a FORCE. Both of you have made a difference in the world. I recall a photo of you, Larry, that you shared back in the day when we were living in Waco. It was a photo of you on a mission to a country in Africa and you were standing on something (maybe a little hill) and tucked under your right arm as a Bible. And there you were then as now with a purpose and a faith and a direction in life that will enrich so many. May your "retirement" bring all the joy possible to you and Carolyn.

John Fulkerson John, this is the summary of my retirement dinner. Carolyn’s and Dr Henrich’s addresses are worth a listen. There are texts, audio and video versons of each:

John Fulkerson John, my “bucket list is not a collection of new and novel or exotic trips or experiences. My bucket list is renewing old relationships and experiences

John, your note is a treasure and is a valued addition to my bucket last. Thank you from my heart.

http://jameslhollymd.com/Letters/retirement-dinner

This is the post to which John responded

Dentist, Doctors and Dave, my Dear Friend & Dentist

I just finished a two-minute conversation with my Dentist and Dear Friend, Dr Dave Carpenter.

For you to understand this story and the content of our conversation, you need more information. 

In 1972, when I was in Medical School, I had occasion to conduct a meeting in which the Deans of the Medical School and Dental School were in attendance. 

Always looking for ways to build bridges and relationships and thinking I was doing both, I said, “Isn’t it nice that we have doctors and dentists together.” I have a graphic memory of what followed. 

To my shock and awe, I as he walked out of the room, the Dean if the Dental School said, “When you learn that we are both doctors, I will return to this meeting.”

To be fair, I must add in coming years he and I became good friends and I have on my website several excellent letters from him. Also, his son became a physician. 

However, at that moment, it was awkward. 

The occasion of this call was to share with my Doctor-Dentist friend what I just read. One of my favorite authors is Stephen Hunter. In his recent book, Game of Snipers, he describes an area thusly, “Many lawyers, many engineers, many dentists, many doctors lived here...”

When I read this I Laughed out loud and immediately called my friend. 

We both agreed that I should contact Stephen Hunter and share with him my hard earned wisdom, “there are many doctors, some are dentists and some are physicians,” and how well I know that.

John Fulkerson, Response to Dean if Dental School

So wise and learning agile...that would be you Larry. To add to the mix (as a Ph.D. psychologist) I find it awkward to introduce myself as Dr. with physicians. Interesting, when I do coaching work with doctors in some of the hospitals in the NYC area, they and their staff initially use the moniker as a professional courtesy until I ask them to call me John. Their respective staffs sometimes have a harder time making the adjustment. I love your insight and trust Stephen Hunter will benefit from your hard earned wisdom.