One of the blessings of inner-city hospitals is that they afford many opportunities for professional enrichment and employment for those less privileged. My close friend, Rasheem Brown, has benefited greatly from his experience working as an OR tech.

The early years
Rasheem hails from West Philadelphia and attended fabled Overbrook High School, former home to legendary basketball great Wilt Chamberlain. Despite peer pressure to do otherwise, Rasheem attended to his studies and graduated. After a brief stint in the army, his friend told him of this "wonderful job" in the operating room at nearby Presbyterian Hospital. Once Rasheem got a taste of life in the surgery suites, he was smitten and decided this would be a good fit.

In the meantime, Rasheem, a championship high school wrestler, had developed a keen interest in boxing. He rapidly ascended the amateur ranks, capturing Golden Glove honors. He turned pro and amassed an impressive 19-3 record with 15 knockouts. His nickname was "The Untouchable," reflecting his superb defensive skills and deadly right hand. He was ranked as high as No. 9 in the world. A championship fight was in his grasp.

The epiphany
But boxing is a mean one-way street. Others were gaining more financially from Rasheem's success than he was. He knew he had a gifted intellect and realized that it was a matter of time before so many head shots would take their toll. Finally, the allure of the operating room proved irresistible. Rasheem wanted to do more.

In rapid succession, Rasheem retired from boxing, enrolled in school and became baptized in his church. His career goal: physician assistant to the orthopedic service.

True riches
Rasheem knows that true riches lie in developing one's God-given skills in the spirit of service. The operating room offers this former warrior the opportunity to realize his best self. His education is funded by the hospital, and many mentors and role models have graced his life. A reflective man, Rasheem has amassed several maxims that he is quick to share with young surgeons. My favorite is: "When it comes to preppin', there ain't no half-steppin'!"

The operating room helped rescue Rasheem John Brown from the dark, unsavory world of professional boxing. I know that once this fine young man completes his education, he will be en exemplary physician's assistant. His performance in the OR will truly be "untouchable."