Johns Hopkins Tour

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with the Johns Hopkins Medical System on three different occasions: As a Research Assistant for the School of Public Health at the Center for Immunization Research, as a Laboratory Technician / Phlebotomist for Bayview at an offsite community laboratory,  and most recently as a Research Assistant at the Wilmer Eye Institute – Low Vision Clinic. All of my experiences at Hopkins were rewarding.

During my years at Hopkins, walking the many halls, I always noticed the art, and would occasionally stop to explore the many paintings, sculptures, etc. I was always curious to know the stories behind the art, hopeful for a behind the scenes tour. That never happened until last week. 

Working at a Retirement Community as a Programs & Special Events Coordinator afforded me the perfect opportunity to approach the Hopkins Community for a tour. It also helped to have a friend who works for the institution as an Archivist.

In simple terms, the experience was AWESOME, and it was just what we were looking for. You’re the best, Andy! Thank you.

I was expecting a small tour, but what our group got was so much more. It was a two and a half hour journey into the past – visiting buildings, corridors, lobbies, private rooms and an auditorium – filled with artifacts, stories, and more importantly, a meaningful, purposeful legacy. I particularly enjoyed the archivist’s stories.

He spoke eloquently about the “Blue Baby Operation” and the relationship between Vivien Thomas, Helen Taussig and Alfred Blalock. I appreciated the humor that took place while Andy was discussing the “Surgical Rubber Gloves,” which were introduced to the world over 100 years ago at Baltimore’s Johns Hopkins Hospital.

I always get emotional when I visit Hopkins because I am reminded of the past and how my career came to be. A long time ago, two people whom I worked with at the Center for Immunization Research took an interest in me. They were motherly women who saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself. My life was filled with too many distractions and contradictions. I wasn’t only trying to find myself; I was desperately trying to find my worth. It was a rocky journey. It was at that time I divorced my family.

MLC… I still think of you. Your friendship meant everything to me. Gardening with you was always special and therapeutic. Your tragic ending is still haunting. And, JA… Fabulous, wonderful, JA. It doesn’t need to be said, because you already know, but I like saying it anyway, I love you. You are the definition of friendship. We are 39 years and counting. There is over 1,000 miles between us, and still our friendship thrives. I am a lucky man.

Hopkins… Thank you for the trip down memory lane. As for the art, what a lovely collection. 

As I often say, art will excite you, surprise you and even bring you joy. It has the ability to stimulate people on so many different levels. Regardless of the response, it gets people talking. – paerki

(Additional Photos: Johns Hopkins History 1 and Johns Hopkins History 2)