A Special Message

Busking time

I have big news to share. I am turning on Paid Subscriptions and revitalizing my newsletter. $5 monthly, $50 yearly, $100 for Founding Members. Read on to learn more.

A Reintroduction

As a family doctor in the heart of the emerging crisis in Seattle, my writing began with simple dispatches on March 2, 2020. My goal was to share information about the novel virus arriving on our continent. I saw the tidal wave coming and wanted to flatten it. Many of my elderly friends, especially in the old time music community, are the demographic most at risk. I feared for my loved ones. My unique experiences gave me insight to explain things, when so much was unknown. My goal was to keep people safe.

It worked. Filtering news, interpreting data, and sharing in understandable ways was my focus. I wanted to be an alternate to the “Twindemic” of disinformation. Recognizing emotions as we experienced them, I acknowledged and explained them. We had occasional bursts of fun with reminders of the importance of laughter and community. People gave feedback, helping me shape what I wrote. They shared my writing with others who subscribed. Now more than a thousand are receiving my newsletter from Substack, with more reading it on Facebook. I posted almost daily for a year and then regularly for the next one. Despite tragic losses across the country, my readers made it through.

Little did I know how much I’d love writing, enough to write almost 500 newsletters! My production slowed down last year while focusing on my Past for another writing project. A good thing to do, but I miss the Now, the Present, and my readers. Many of you wrote regularly, encouraging me, thanking me, asking questions, telling your stories. I appreciated that support.

This is why its important.

Honest, informed writing about public health and epidemic issues is needed to let us know what’s happening. I’ll continue to give important updates about Covid, but I have more than one epidemic to talk about. We face more than just SARS-CoV-2 and Covid-19. From Monkey Pox to anti-vax disinformation, finding reliable, helpful information is key. I think I can help, but I also want more of your involvement. If you wish.

Here’s what you will be supporting.

Busking is a nice comparison. The music is free, you donate what you can IF you are so moved and are able to. A side bonus is that busking helps people improve their chops, learning to relax while playing in front of others. You’ll be helping me. I also believe that people should be paid for their work, especially musicians and writers. Tips keep buskers engaged and playing. I know that this will keep me motivated.

So what happens next?

The weekly newsletter will be free, but many may choose to support it financially. Everyone subscribed will receive it on Monday evenings for now (subject to change as needed). Paid benefits will include regular bonus content and opportunity to comment and make suggestions. Also room for your stories and general explanations and discussions about concerns. Important to know the comments are not for actual medical advice. Perhaps we’ll create a community of like minded people. I am excited to see what will come of it. Let me know what you’d like and any ideas you have.

Click on the “Subscribe now” button to become a paying member.

What if I don’t want to pay?

No worries. Not much will change. In fact, my commitment means I will be sending out my newsletter regularly again.

You can easily subscribe, cancel at any time, no questions asked. If you want to be a part but can’t afford it, get in touch. I have some bonus memberships I can give.

I am happy to have you as a reader either way!