Frank A. Clark, MD

I have been enjoying my back scratcher, a gift from my mom, who recently won it at a game of bingo.

I have reflected on my seasonal itches while utilizing this gift. The itches may manifest themselves as the need to be perfect and nagging doubt and worry. It is prudent for us to be mindful of our itches and how they impact our quality of life.

My back scratcher reminds me that the hand claw of faith, prayer, gratitude, self-compassion, and hope is the antidote for my recovery. Embrace your claw daily. I hope this poem speaks to the hearts of many.

Incompatible devouring perfection pungent pruritus requiring anti-histaminergic decorated 

irrefragable wooden claw with high binding affinity for inflamed dorsal receptors

is clinical assistant professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville and medical director & division chief for Adult Inpatient and Consult-Liaison Services for the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at Prisma Health-Upstate. He serves as the Diversity & Inclusion Section Editor and Advisory Board member for

Articles

It's important to be mindful of those nagging itches and what they may really  represent. 

Reflections: When the Mind and Soul Itches 

There is a plethora of research to show that 

plays a role in longevity. We cultivate friendships over our lifespan and recognize the value they have in our growth and development. 

In recent years I have come to the conclusion that our society is living in a connected web with paradoxical effects in the form of 

. We have resorted to social media and text messaging as our main way of communication. The reasons for this are likely multifactorial: generational shift as it relates to utilization of technology, work fatigue, and life/role transitions. I miss the days of having meaningful phone conversations. We have become overloaded with the 

resulting in a narrowing of our emotional bandwidth. My hope is that we find a communication balance and become more intentional about continuing to foster healthy relationships.

I will leave with some food for thought in the form of a poem.

weighed down by work lassitude and life transitions left to lure seasonal loneliness

After the past year's lockdowns, making time for meaningful connections becomes more important than ever.  

A Narrowing Emotional Bandwidth

Life emboldens us to marvel at creation and appreciate its symbolism. Today was one of those rare occasions in which a 

, a symbolism of calmness for many cultures, made its debut on the praying hands statue on our porch. It was a moment I will cherish. 

I like to think the mantis was reminding me to be still even during the storms that life brings. In a time of uncertainty and calamity in our country, may we all discover our mental health mantis. I leave you with a poem to inspire reflection. Peace and blessings.

transmitting thankfulness thoughtfulness gratitude for providential picturesque green moments. Respire!

A Mental Health Mantis

Ever wondered what it would be like to sit in a room across from someone of a different background with the defenseless armor known as respect for humanity? No cameras or social media. Just two flawed humans with no hidden agendas.

I was inspired to write this poem after talking with my friend who I respect and love in light of our fiery debates. Diversity of experience and thought can make us stronger if we are willing to receive it.

Two defenseless chairs occupied with curious but anxious gluteal muscles with diverse perspective

Two defenseless chairs seasoned with no political brand seeking growth

Two defenseless chairs accoutered with humility promoting genuine trust

Two defenseless chairs engulfed with biases praying for unity

Two defenseless chairs coalesced with agape love singing gratitude for a cathartic encounter

Even with difficult topics, it is possible to have meaningful and respectful conversations. 

Defenseless

 have been fraught with a tale of 2 emotions: pure elation and disappointment. However, in my mind, the theme of mental health is the goal medalist that truly deserves recognition among all athletes competing in these games. 

, and others who prioritize their mental health above their craft. At the end of the day, self-care is the true victor in any 

Here is some food for thought in the form a poem:

Normalizing mental illness, reducing stigma, and the importance of self-care take a giant step forward during the Olympics. 

Gold Medal for the Ages

If you are like me the word “no” has been dormant in your 

 lexicon. Busy bee is a more familiar term that has been embedded in my conscience, starting at a young age. Over the years I have come to realize that opportunities, although exciting, come with emotional currency. This manifest itself as time away from family and encroachment on solitude. 

Many physicians like myself have experienced burnout during various seasons of their 

. Thankfully, my mentors have helped me increase my confidence as it relates to becoming respectfully unapologetic when declining opportunities. "No" can be your greatest ally and help you prioritize self-care. Remember that your bandwidth matters.

 call with colleagues discussing a promising project. The word 

 became a major theme that reverberated from our mental vocal cords. It inspired me to write this poem.

Feeble hearts scurrying at a sloth pace with pupil dilation

for alluring inbox of queries stacked with sapid opportunity syrup

that seeps through desensitized delirious dopaminergic zeal

lacking valor to advocate for body rehabilitation

After struggling with boundaries and saying "no," this psychiatrist  found his voice.

A Necessary Reply 

I was sitting outside watching my neighbor set up his sprinkler. I began to contemplate how I could apply the sprinkler to the diversity, equity, and inclusion space. Here are my thoughts.

Rotating 360-degree impartial heads providing encomiums

during irrigations of landscapes in zip codes where diverse harvest provide

inclusive brave spaces for equitable discourse and nourishment

How can the sprinkler be applied to diversity, equity, and inclusion? 

Ingenious Sprinkler

Emmett Louis Till was born on July 25, 1941, and he would have been 80 years old today. Instead, his life was cut short when he became a victim of racism and injustice.  

This poem is written with prayers for reconciliation, love, and peace.

Spirited young Till whistling fervent prayers from immortal ashes

with history on repeat in need of paradisaical hand sanitizer

for calloused palms soaked with inhumane bacteria

 is clinical assistant professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville and medical director & division chief for Adult Inpatient and Consult-Liaison Services for the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at Prisma Health-Upstate. He currently serves on the APA Task Force to Address Structural Racism Throughout Psychiatry as well as the Diversity & Inclusion Section Editor and Advisory Board member for 

To move forward, we need to learn from the painful lessons of the past. On his birthday, thoughts turn to Emmett Till. 

Remembering Emmett 

My therapist and I had a session a few weeks ago about my imposter syndrome, a nemesis that has presented itself during various seasons in my life. I encourage medical students and residents that I mentor and supervise to practice self-compassion. I hope this poem helps the generations of white coats find peace.

Independence Day Thoughts From a Psychiatrist

Encapsulating self-adhesive self-compassion that searches the delusional imposter

drenched with anxiety anticipating the antidote for perduring perfectionistic white coats

immersed with years of doubt detergent. Exhale!

Imposter syndrome: a doctor’s nemesis…

A Physician’s Plea

On the afternoon of July 18th, I was sitting on my porch enjoying the summer breeze while talking with my therapist. Suddenly, my body was flooded with an overabundance of cortisol as 2 squad cars pulled up in front of my residence. A wave of questions entered my hypervigilant mind: 

What did I do wrong? Do I fit the profile of the person they are searching for? Am I about to be arrested?

The fear in my eyes was palpable, and it was evident as one of the officers exited the vehicle. He attempted to quell my fears by explaining the reason for their presence: a faulty security system at a neighbor’s house. During his explanation, he chuckled, seemingly as an attempt to bring levity to the situation by saying, “We are not here for you.” His words evoked an array of emotions ranging from anger, sadness, and incredulity.

I do not believe that this officer had any malice in his heart; however, I pondered the following question: Would he have said those same words if I were White? I am Black man who is a part of a larger community where relations with law enforcement have been historically strained. The encounter that took place today further illustrates the importance of creating brave, safe spaces for people with my worn identity to discuss our lived experiences. Furthermore, I would call on our citizens in blue to engage in a healthy dialogue with communities of color on how to deliquesce division and foster trust.

Our fear is real and should never be invalidated. I am thankful for the support of my therapist and my wife, 2 of my allies that helped me process the incident that took place on this day. Words matter. Our lives matter. Humanity matters. I will leave with some food for thought in the form of a haiku:

Anger, sadness, incredulity… Here is why police and communities of color need to engage in an open conversation to foster trust. 