My name is Bhonesa Kirpal. I am currently a third-year medical student at Meharry Medical College. I have been under Dr. Caldwell’s leadership since January 2023 and became well-acquainted with him as he introduced me to the field of public health and the social foundations of medicine.
Dr. Caldwell and I at the Ritz Carlton NOMAD rooftop - "Nubeluz." We were in NYC to visit a number of medical schools an colleges as well as the ABC News Medical Group.
During that period, he taught me how to listen to the unique needs of a particular community and how to appropriately respond. I worked alongside him as he set up community events and raised awareness of important public health interests from blood drives to research trials.
Dry January® USA has been my most rewarding experience with Dr. Caldwell thus far. Alcohol is one of the most important understated public health topics in prevention medicine and addressing it has a special place in my heart. I want to help as many people as possible when I become a physician, and Dr. Caldwell gave me another avenue to do so by introducing me to the field of public health. He emphasized the importance and sensitivity of the work within the field, and always seemed to be in his element, transitioning easily from situation to situation.
From left to right: Ryen Belle Harran, Bhonesa Kirpal, David Plazas, Jonathan Low, MBA, Dr. Michael C Caldwell, MD - at the studio after the recording of a Dry January® USA interview with Dr. Hildreth, President of Meharry Medical College, for The Tennessean and Dr. Caldwell’s Podcast.
Dr. Caldwell is a doer, and enjoys being in the thick of the action, but is able to remain focused, appropriately relaxed, and amiable. He has that rare quality of always seeming to enjoy himself, which makes him a calm presence and a pleasure to work with. Yet I am most impressed by something less tangible – a wise man completely comfortable in his own skin. Dr. Caldwell's intellectual curiosity, drive, and unflappability makes him the perfect man to tackle public health issues.
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