Our Iranian physician

[AverageOldGuy]

Wife had an appointment today with a new nephrologist -- we are switching docs because we moved.

The doc spoke perfect English with a very slight accent. We knew his name was Middle Eastern of some sort. He was friendly, attentive, thorough, explained everything he said, explained all the changes in meds and diet. Explained kidney issues -- wife is Type II diabetic, which leads to chronic kidney issues.

As we were wrapping up, we both thanked him for being so kind, thorough, and attentive. Wife asked him where he graduated from medical school -- TEHRAN. We were silent for a minute. He then went on to explain that he had follow-on fellowships, internship, and residencies at George Washington U. med center in DC.

I then commented to him that I have been reading how a lot of medical personnel in the US, including physicians, are here on visas and they may face problems with remaining here. He replied "Yes, that's true and it is causing a lot of worry."

He then smiled from ear to ear and said: "I left Iran in 2003 and am proud to be an American citizen!!"

Then his demeanor changed, he became suddenly sad and said -- "I have never been back home."

We each gave him a big hug. I mean, what can you do? What can you say?

You never know what burden others are carrying. He's supposed to be caring for us while carrying such a load. Who is caring for him?

[niyad]

1. Damned onions!!! Your last paragraph is so caring and loving. hugggs

[BaronChocula]

2. My nephrologist is Persian too

Wouldn't it be funny if it was the same guy? Though what are the odd? Beverly Hills?

[AverageOldGuy]

4. No, Virginia

[TygrBright]

3. America and Persia should be allies. It breaks my heart that Pedo Pres is effing it up so thoroughly. n/t

[Melon]

7. Their military has started each day by chanting death to America.

Nobody here likes Trump but don’t get this confused. They are our sworn enemy. They’ve killed many Americans. Their government funds active terrorist cells that seek to kill Americans and attack our infrastructure overseas. We will never, ever be allies with the current government. They will never ally with the west.

The people don’t hate us. The government hates us. He left Iran and has not returned for a reason.

[sdfernando]

8. Perhaps things would be different

if we didn't overthrow their elected government in the 1950s??

[JI7]

10. Iranians aren't crying about what America did in the 1950s . They hate their current govt

Also most don't blame the US for anything.

[JI7]

9. Most Iranians love the US and hate their govt. They are already our allies if you talk to most of them .

[HeartsCanHope]

5. Thank you for this post, Average old Guy.

And thank you to you and your wife for caring about your wife's nephrologist. So many people we meet are

carrying a heavy load for a multitude of reasons this days. Your kindness is an example to us all.

[cheri010353]

6. My friend's husband is Iranian.

She told me that he doesn't want to go to the airport anymore. I thought that it was because he was afraid of ICE, but she said,"No. He feels like people would be afraid of him and he doesn't want to make anyone afraid" II feel so bad for him. He is a kind, gentle man who wouldn't do anything to hurt or make someone feel uncomfortable.