The Gala a Year Later

One of my very first post was about having received an award from our local medical association (2008 Young Physician of the Year Award).

Entertainment by the Zapp Band

("More Bounce to the Ounce", "Dance Floor", "Computer Love")

This year the winner of the Atlanta Medical Association 2009 Young Physician of the Year Award is my friend and colleague, Dr. Lisa Perry-Gilkes.

Lisa, Young Physician of the Year 2008

Lisa joked upon her acceptance that she was amazed that she could win both a Young Physician of the Year Award and be recognized for 25 years in practice! (One must be under 40 or in private practice 5 years or less to qualify for the Young Physician of the Year Award)

I couldn't possibly have gotten photos of all of the lovely loc'd docs, scholarship recipients and guests at the event, but I have included photos of a few attendees below.

Dr. P's Sisterlocks

Mrs. Dr. W in Traditional locs

Medium, traditional locs

A Scholarship Recipient in Sisterlocks [Go Meharry!]

2008 Young Physician of the Year Award

I won the Atlanta Medical Association's Young Physician of the Year Award tonight. I tied for the award with Freda, a friend and colleague of mine. She's a surgeon. The award is always given at our annual scholarship ball. Several thousands of dollars in scholarships were given out to deserving Black medical students from Georgia. I always support the event as a patron by buying a table or two.

We had a great time. I danced until my feet hurt! My good sistah friend, Naomi, won a signed print by Leon Campbell at the silent auction and surprised me by giving it to me at the end of the night. She used to have locs that were so long, she could almost sit on them. Now, I think she has loc-like extensions fused to her natural hair.

Freda introduced me to one of her guests who had locs. They were pinned up atop her head in a tasteful, full bun and looked beautiful. I complimented her and told her that I was getting sisterlocked next week. She was very encouraging, saying, " I think you will be pleased. I have no regrets."

I'm only sorry that I didn't get a shot of her do.