Transmogrification

Dressed in my best pinstriped New York made blue suit, matching silk tie and shirt, this yuppie was on his way to an interview. I would not be wearing my levies, polo shirt or lab jacket today. It had been awhile since I had to leave healthcare at the university because of a failed coup-attempt by my boss, (as explained to me by his compadre-he thought he had all the votes to be the hospitals new president-except for the one that mattered most-the hospitals Medical Director!) So putting all that baggage behind me, and the negativity it entailed in my psyche, I drove towards my future. The interview would take place in the Administrative offices of the Michigan Health and Human Services building. Upon entering that building I was greeted by a State of Michigan Police cadet who asked to see my state identification. I was then directed to sign in and wait in the lobby. I was told someone would be here shortly and escort me to the conference room where my interview would take place. I waited in the lobby and within a few minutes I was greeted by an elderly gentleman dressed in a well tailored business suit.

He stretched out his right hand to shake mine. I could not help but notice he had a monogram on his shirt cuff and he was wearing a Patek-Philippe watch. We exchanged pleasantries, and he directed me to a small office next to a large conference room. He informed me that he was the Department’s Director. My interview would be conducted in the conference room next door which he would not be part of. He would leave the interviewing of candidates to the people most affected by the selected candidates leadership ability or lack of it. He would have the final decision on hiring. The selected candidate would report directly to him, as well as, write, and reinforce existing departmental policies. He queried me about whether or not I worked on our Governors’ campaign. I was surprised by the question but stated that with two young children at home and being involved in their activities, I had little time for political activity. Although, I was able to tie my students success with our garden community projects, donation of plant materials to urban gardeners, and efforts with the donation of houseplants grown by them in our greenhouse to senior citizen centers. The success of my program was a reflection on the current administration’s policies with the retraining of inmates.

He didn’t seem impressed and I wondered if he didn’t have another candidate in mind. Some one tied politically to our governor’s campaign. He got up, shook my hand, and led me to the conference room for my interview. The conference room was set up for a committee of about six people. They would be facing me and asking me questions. When they entered the room, they sat down and introduced themselves. They were an impressive group representing the many different facets of community health. They wanted to know about my past experience with Indiana University Medical Center, and the Detroit Medical Center. I was surprised to find out they had already called my references. They informed me that my references spoke well of me and my accomplishments. They had me speak on what I considered my successes, and how I managed failures. It was one of the best interviews I had ever been on and after sharing my experience I felt I could work well with this group. The interview ended positively and I was told they would be in contact with me shortly. Two of the nurses informed me they would email me the final decision, and thanked me for interviewing. I was glad to know the decision would be made quickly. I wasn’t ready for what was communicated in their email when I received it. TO BE CONTINUED….

Finland was accepted into NATO. When your neighbors no longer trust you.