is an outpatient psychiatrist at Prisma Health-Upstate and clinical associate professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville. He served on the American Psychiatric Association’s Task Force to Address Structural Racism Throughout Psychiatry, and he currently serves as the Diversity and Inclusion section editor and advisory board member for

Frank A. Clark, MD

I welcome the opportunity to embrace nature during my wellness walks. During these moments, I am mindful of the sounds of God’s diverse animal kingdom and his kaleidoscopic forest. I encourage each of us to cherish the opportunities for solitude and reflection throughout our journey on the search for meaning and purpose. Allow your feet to follow the footprints that lead to the ultimate treasure: contentment.

I hope and pray this poem fosters reflection and hope.

Articles

Nature can bring the ultimate treasure: contentment.

Walk With Nature

World Mental Health Day 2021

The ability to collaborate with kindred spirits is a blessing. We are have unique talents that can intersect with one another if we take the opportunity to be innovative. 

I am honored to have crossed paths with artist Dawnielle Ferguson in Greenville, South Carolina. Her art is exquisite and celebrates Black joy in all of its glory. Her most recent piece, “From Day One” was inspired by a poem, “Infant Moments” dedicated to my daughter. The father daughter bond makes my heart leap with joy. 

I hope the poem and artwork inspire creativity and joy this season.



Her petite innocence rest comfortably on my euphoric chest
Her radiant eyes activate my facial muscles that never atrophy.
Her hands of curiosity pluck sweet melodies embedded in my soul.


Her squishy cheeks invite effusive kisses from her two favorite admirers
Her tiny frame acts as a catalyst that stimulates receptors of rejuvenation for my soul.
Her priceless smile tickles and nourishes my heart that has the potential to be cyanotic during stressful days


Her pulse intertwines with mine to set the rhythm that is only recognizable by two kindred spirits
Her salivating gut is in harmony with foods that encourage self -discovery.
Her capacity to inhale molecules of love grows infinitely with each breath.

Infant Moments

Over the years I have come to the following revelation: Our careers do not define us. They are just a piece of our identity puzzle that is frequently magnified by society. They become superficial/small talk conversation starters at social gatherings used to break the ice. 

We become obsessed and over zealous with our work to the extent that it becomes a mistress masquerading as success. The sobering reality is that no matter how industrious we are, work does not care. In the end, our tombstones will not list our accolades or the amount of extra time we spent in the office documenting in the electronic health record. 

May we find meaning in our life that adds to our growth and development as human beings. May this poem inspire some food for thought.

Work can be rewarding and bring meaning, but should not define us...

Our Identity Puzzle

Today my friend, child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Sara Coffey, and I were corresponding via text message. She sent me a picture that was captivating. It allowed me to enter a space of tranquility and creativity. 

I encourage you today to find a image that captures the essence of peace for you. Store it in your memory bank and revisit it often during the ebbs and flows of life. 

I wrote a poem based on this image. May it inspire you and bring you peace.

Sometimes to find your place of tranquility, you must cross a bridge of faith...

A Bridge of Faith

Today marks a new season for me as I transition to a new chapter in my career. The last 7 years as an inpatient psychiatrist have been filled with growth in the form of leadership, stewardship, and mentorship. 

I feel blessed to have the opportunity to contribute to the education of medical students and residents. There is nothing more gratifying than to see them thrive throughout their journey. I am also appreciative of my colleagues and friends who have stood in solidarity with me with throughout the joys and storms of health care. Thank you to my patients, who help remind me to appreciate the power of narratives. 

I look forward to continuing to sow seeds of hope and advocacy as I enter the space of outpatient psychiatry. 

Here is a poem that encapsulates my reflections:

A psychiatrist reflects on career changes as he embarks on a new adventure.  