clearly smitten with Jacqueline’s flirty nature. “I didn’t get your drink order. Could I take that as well?”
“Sparkling water, please.”
With all of the meal orders placed, the conversation meandered back to the conference and which topic would dominate both attendee conversation and media coverage. Most of those around the table felt that Randall’s forward-thinking idea of using plant stem cells for human healing would be at the forefront, while a few felt that Dr. Chatterji’s concept of holistic healing, specifically integrating the power of the Divine, would prove more newsworthy in the news climate of today.
“What do you think, Jacqueline?” James asked with the merest hint of daredevil glee in his eyes.
She’d been quiet the entire conversation, taking in and mentally recording everything that was said. Along with her high IQ, she had a near-perfect photographic memory, and when it came to conversations, almost total recall. But now, since asked directly, she was more than happy to contribute to the conversation.
“Both topics are quite important,” she began, her voice low but firm. “Stem cell research has been at the forefront of medical research for quite some time, and while the use of plants has always been a part of the equation, I think you”—she turned to him—“Randall—excuse me, Dr. Atwater—have approached this possibility in a whole new way.
“That said, I am totally enthralled with the possibilities expressed by Dr. Chatterji.” She looked at him with a warm, admiring smile. “The concept of holistic living predates modern medicine by thousands of years, doesn’t it?” Dr. Chatterji nodded. “What is now deemed alternative was yesteryear’s standard medical practice, administered with a respectable degree of success. To my knowledge, issues such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s did not exist. Did they?” While glancing at the others at the table, she’d mostly focused her attention on Dr. Chatterji, and did so now as she asked the question.
“Diseases come and go,” Dr. Chatterji explained, sitting back and placing steepled hands on the table. “Many, in fact most, are created by lifestyle and diet. If you look to countries where people live the longest, you will see that theirs is a mostly vegetarian diet with a lifestyle filled with exercise, usually in the form of work. There is also some type of spiritual component to their existence, an entity or deity that fills them with faith, lowers their stress levels, and increases their overall happiness. We make it hard, but actually it’s quite simple to live a healthy life.”
“That is well said, Doctor.” Jacqueline paused as the waiter delivered her sparkling water. “But if what you’re saying is true and what you want to do is effective, aren’t you liable to put yourself out of business?”
“If I could lessen health problems through prevention, then having to change my occupation would be an easy sacrifice, and I believe that all of my colleagues around the table would agree.”
“Speak for yourself,” James said, his face a mask of skepticism even as he smiled to show that he teased. “I need my money! And as long as there are sick people, I will have a job.”
Dr. Chatterji did not join in the laughter. “Unfortunately, Dr. Sullivan, you are absolutely right.”
Their food arrived and conversation lessened as they ate. Jacqueline made a big show of taking the first bite of her large, juicy burger. “Oh my goodness,” she said, still chewing. “This is delicious!”
Darshana responded. “It looks very good. Maybe I should have ordered it after all. At the very least I would have enjoyed a good meal, and at most I could help Dr. Sullivan earn more money!” His eyes twinkled with humor. Those around the table laughed at this rare joke from a very serious man. They all declined dessert, and one of the doctors, a top neurologist who practiced at Johns Hopkins, insisted on paying the
“Sparkling water, please.”
With all of the meal orders placed, the conversation meandered back to the conference and which topic would dominate both attendee conversation and media coverage. Most of those around the table felt that Randall’s forward-thinking idea of using plant stem cells for human healing would be at the forefront, while a few felt that Dr. Chatterji’s concept of holistic healing, specifically integrating the power of the Divine, would prove more newsworthy in the news climate of today.
“What do you think, Jacqueline?” James asked with the merest hint of daredevil glee in his eyes.
She’d been quiet the entire conversation, taking in and mentally recording everything that was said. Along with her high IQ, she had a near-perfect photographic memory, and when it came to conversations, almost total recall. But now, since asked directly, she was more than happy to contribute to the conversation.
“Both topics are quite important,” she began, her voice low but firm. “Stem cell research has been at the forefront of medical research for quite some time, and while the use of plants has always been a part of the equation, I think you”—she turned to him—“Randall—excuse me, Dr. Atwater—have approached this possibility in a whole new way.
“That said, I am totally enthralled with the possibilities expressed by Dr. Chatterji.” She looked at him with a warm, admiring smile. “The concept of holistic living predates modern medicine by thousands of years, doesn’t it?” Dr. Chatterji nodded. “What is now deemed alternative was yesteryear’s standard medical practice, administered with a respectable degree of success. To my knowledge, issues such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s did not exist. Did they?” While glancing at the others at the table, she’d mostly focused her attention on Dr. Chatterji, and did so now as she asked the question.
“Diseases come and go,” Dr. Chatterji explained, sitting back and placing steepled hands on the table. “Many, in fact most, are created by lifestyle and diet. If you look to countries where people live the longest, you will see that theirs is a mostly vegetarian diet with a lifestyle filled with exercise, usually in the form of work. There is also some type of spiritual component to their existence, an entity or deity that fills them with faith, lowers their stress levels, and increases their overall happiness. We make it hard, but actually it’s quite simple to live a healthy life.”
“That is well said, Doctor.” Jacqueline paused as the waiter delivered her sparkling water. “But if what you’re saying is true and what you want to do is effective, aren’t you liable to put yourself out of business?”
“If I could lessen health problems through prevention, then having to change my occupation would be an easy sacrifice, and I believe that all of my colleagues around the table would agree.”
“Speak for yourself,” James said, his face a mask of skepticism even as he smiled to show that he teased. “I need my money! And as long as there are sick people, I will have a job.”
Dr. Chatterji did not join in the laughter. “Unfortunately, Dr. Sullivan, you are absolutely right.”
Their food arrived and conversation lessened as they ate. Jacqueline made a big show of taking the first bite of her large, juicy burger. “Oh my goodness,” she said, still chewing. “This is delicious!”
Darshana responded. “It looks very good. Maybe I should have ordered it after all. At the very least I would have enjoyed a good meal, and at most I could help Dr. Sullivan earn more money!” His eyes twinkled with humor. Those around the table laughed at this rare joke from a very serious man. They all declined dessert, and one of the doctors, a top neurologist who practiced at Johns Hopkins, insisted on paying the
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