Special Privilege

Last Thursday, November 12, 2009 we had the privilege of hearing a special fireside talk by Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at the Washington DC LDS Temple Visitor's Center. He apparently was here for other business and made a special request for all medical students and other health professions students to attend a talk.

With his astounding career as a cardiovascular surgeon and researcher, he has some amazing insight into the medical realm as a faithful LDS Church member and leader. One of the things discussed includes Leviticus 15 and how the knowledge of communicable disease has been known for thousands of years, not only since the discovery of microorganisms in the 19th century.

His main focus was on the importance of staying faithful. He left us with a apostolic blessing that we will love the scriptures and apply them, and that we can be great examples and missionaries. It was a wonderful experience.

After the talk, Anna and I were able to walk down and shake his hand. It was the first time Anna has shaken the hand of an apostle and a great opportunity for both of us. He told me to "give it my all" when I told him I was a med student. It was great.