Newspapers / The Charlotte post. / Feb. 26, 2004, edition 1 / Page 10
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2B Black History/trije Cljarlotte ^ost Thursday, February 26, 2004 Medical Marvels Charlotte transplant surgeon shows he’s an educator also, By Herbert L. White herbMhite@lhechoilotlepos!.rom t Roger Denny’s specialty is organ transplantation, but in his spare time he’s an educa tor. An ongoing crisis is the lack of black organ donors, some thing Denny sees all too often as a surgeon at Carolinas Medical Center. Although African Americans make up 12 percent of the U.S. popu lation, they disproportionate ly account for the number of people awaiting kidney transplants. Denny speaks to church and community groups about the need for donors, which includes breaking myths and miscon ceptions about the process. Often, people are reluctant to donate on religious grounds, he said, but points out that none of the major religions prohibit donation. The key is communication and present ing donation as a life-extend ing gift. “I’ll talk to anybody who’ll have me,” he said. “I tell peo ple if they will take an organ then they should be willing to give one. If you reach one per son out of 30, that’s fine. The black community is very smart. If they’re exposed to information they can make an informed decision.” Denny is a rarity in an exclusive medical field. He works at the Transplant Center Carolinas Medical Center and is one of 18 African Americans trained to perform the procedure in the U.S. In a typical year, Denny, who specializes in liver, kid ney and pancreas surgery, performs about 50 trans plants a year. “It’s a field I found interest ing,” said Denny, who came Charlotte in 2002. “Every surgery is a large surgery. That’s why it’s always interest- Denny mg." The interest runs in Denny’s family. His brother Jason is also a transplant surgeon, making them 11 percent of the African Americans practicing the dis cipline nationally. Education is the key to success in the sciences and medicine and a requirement for surgeons, Denny said. Getting more African Americans into med icine requires more diligence in meeting academic and pro fessional goals. “It starts all the way back in high school,” he said. “How many black kids go to college from high school? How many go on to medical school? And of those, how many will go into surgical fields? It’s a matter of numbers.” Denny, who interned at State University of New York-Brooklyn and trained for transplant surgery at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, stuck to his goals. The Mt. Sinai School of Medicine graduate is fulfill ing his ambition by working in one of the most demanding areas of medicine. It’s also a chance to provide patients a gift that’s useful every day. “It’s not a field that every one can do,” he said. “I love the field because when you give a person a transplant, you give them another chance at life.” Dermys work includes ecji- cation. By monitoring hyper tension or avoiding it alto gether through diet and exer cise, more people can lead healthy and productive lives. High blood pressure is one Of the leading precursors to stroke and heart disease m Afiican Americans. WBD WWW ^ Walter B. Davis Company, Inc. GENERAL CONTRACTORS ‘ Specializing in Industrial and Commercial Contracting > Indastrial Maintenance ' Construction Management BUILDING A REPUTATION OF EXCELLENCE Unlimited licensed Contractor • Certified-MBE P.O. Box 35241 • Charlotte, NC 28235 (704)358-3793 • Fax (704)358-3887 www.wbdavisco.com Walter Davis New 2004 Saturn ION starting at ^179 Down & H79Per Mo. Bad credit, slow credit or no credit? I treat everyone with respect! Carl Wanamaker Saturn of Charlotte 7036 E Independence Blvd 704-536-5530 Offer OAC & based on 3.9% APR for 72 months. Plus tax, tag. $249 doc fee & retailer installed options. Offer ends 02/29/04. "HOME. AUTO. LIFE, me: TALK TO A REAL, UVE PERSON WHO’S IN THE SAME PHONE BOOK AS YOU. Luther Carter, Jr. LUTCF 704.542.7500 10801 Johnston Rd. Suite 110 yiilstate Allrate Property ind Cuuilcy Iruurance Comptny.Allsota Indenwicy Company ano AHtate Life Insonnce Company Home Oflke: Northbrook, lllnou.® 2002 Athote insurance Company Celebrate BLACK HISTORY All Year Long! Let's remember those who built the framework for future generations. Ever)' day we honor the achievements of the African American community and its I ' " | importance to our past and future. After all. Black History is American History 1^1 {psurance Nationwide Is On tburSide. We Celebrate Black History. Nationwide is a major sponsor of the 15th NAACP Image Awards. Tune in to fox TV on March 11thl jn..JeL4clnuinACan,tifi, XjuimdcMuoi IsHmcOififm, ifdi£«Rir/rr',,-wccHiwrOilceQ4ii3iku.OHII2lS-222Di THE ONLY BLACK CULTURE TOURS in COSTA RICA or PANAMA COSTA RICA WITH ANNUAL BLACK CULTURE DAY August 28 - September 3, 2004 PANAMA WITH CANAL TRANSIT ^ Monthly, starting July 12-18, 2004 COSTA RICA TOURS, LTD. www.costaricatoursltd.com •704-541-8680 Foster’s Frame & Art Gallery Your BLACK ART Connection * Framed Art * Originals * Limited Edition Prints * Open Prints * Pottery Distributor for Local Artist: Rev. L. Dianna Flournoy • Jonathan Roach (deceased) National Artist: * Charles Bibbs * Alonzo Adams * Kathleen Wilson * Anthony Armstrong * David Haygood, Jr. * Ted Ellis * Eli Kince • Gary Thomas * Gilbert Young, and others -- Expert Custom Framing ~ Rosedak Shopping Center • 1-77N., Exit 23, Huntersville 704-948-1750 Black History Matters! Keflecfions from leaders at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store*' CHCoMyaun During February, individuals, families, schools and organizations take time to salute the character, power and ingenuity of African Americans as part of Black History Month. At Cracker Barrel Old Country Store', we believe that History and Black History are actually one in the same. During this Black History Month, we wanted to share some of the personal insights of our best assets... our people. We applaud every person and every process that has helped to make Black History Month a focal point during the year. “Black History Month is important because it's a time when we honor the men and women who committed their lives to the fight for equal rights. Ifs a time when I consider how their persistence paved the way for myself and other African Americans to participate in important decisions and meaningful activities that make life better for others." “I value Black History Month because we gain ^ greater insight into the contributiQns African Americans have made to the world. I’ve always been intrigued with the discoveries of men like Charles Drew and George Washington Carver. Their stories are interesting - not because of their race - but because of their values and their accomplishments.” “When I think of influential Americans, I think of Rosa Parks. She exemplified the kind of leadership I want to follow. Her courage under fire is a model for all of us. And when I consider the pressures she must have faced as a Black, female leader in the middle of the Civil Rights movement, my admiration continues to grow.” “I appreciate the focus on the important role African Americans have played in the success of this great nation. The struggles that have occurred in the African American community are woven into the fabric of much of what we do every day. Many of the opportunities that persons of various races enjoy today can be attributed to the leadership and commitment of previous generations of African Americans. I am humbled by their extreme devotion to work ethic, family, and spiritual values in the face of the limitations society placed on them.” knew that each trip for her cause could be her last. The second model is my mother and father. They taught me that I am an American and that T can’ achieve when given the opportunity to do so. Thanks to these great pioneers, 1 now have the opportunity to work in a corporation where people arei respected and treated equally.” ; “During Black History Month, we recognize the talent and creativity of people who have improved the world we live in. We recognize people who inspire us. We identify new heroes for ourselves and for our children. In the end. Black History Month causes us to reflect on what we do as individuals to promote fairness, kindness and understanding.” “As we celebrate Black History Month, certain models come to mind. The first is Harriet Tubman and ‘The Underground Railroad’. She was a woman of color who was willing to risk her own life to give others a better life. She “The more we study Black history, the more we see that people have common goals and dreams. The more we discuss Black history; the more information we have to create a brighter future for everyone.”
Feb. 26, 2004, edition 1
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