Book Information

supplimental information: 4/27/2005

P.S. Tell Willie Cumbo Hello

Sample Chapter: EVOLUTION OF A PSYCHIATRIST

The year was 1979, the setting Winston-Salem State University. Background music: Michael Jackson and I Want to Rock With You.

I was becoming comfortable with my new environment. I lived a dual life most of the time, going home on weekends, then back on campus for my studies and dramas during the week. Academically, I was getting a bit slack. I suppose I figured the A's I would get in drama classes would balance out things. Algebra was giving me a fit.

I sometimes today wake up from a terrifying dream of not being able to graduate because of a math class that I forgot to attend, and it now being test day. The fear of being clueless and making a zero is most frightening. In reality, I actually made a 98 on my final exam in Algebra/Trigonometry.

Eventually I realized the enormously ecessive amount of effort required for me to do satisfactory work in subjects requiring precise concentration and accurate problem solving.

I was finally diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder at age 44, possibly explaining the repeated difficulties, particularly with math courses and test taking.

ADHD is actually a neurological disorder involving the wiring of the brain and the insufficient transport of the essential neurotransmitter, dopamine, to the frontal lobes of the brain where focus, concentration, and attention are managed.

Fortunately, I was able to develop compensatory mechanisms effectively throughout my academic life. Major disadvantages have included: strongly reactive moods, stuborness, irritability, procrastination, poor time management, self esteem issues, day-dreaming, and behaviors incongruent with other's expectations. The best news has been that I finally understand much more about why I think the way I do. Chapter 15 "EVOLUTION of a PSYCHIATRIST, Against the Odds"

Author Bio:

This is the non-fictional debut for the author. Born in rural North Carolina and growing up during the sixties was the perfect setting to begin molding a future African-American Psychiatrist. Few ever suspected such an achievement would become reality. In Heaven,God had already placed in the individual minds and hearts of those Ken would encounter along the journey, the means to inspire him to maintain the course to his life's calling. *The one thing God could not give him was the belief in himself that he possessed great potential and capabilities. This would be learned along the way through mistakes and recoveries, and eventually lead to the appropriate choices to learn the necessary lessons of life. For Ken, these lessons were found in some unorthodox places. To name a few: animal friends, the ballfield, the "Ham House", and the "Juke Joint". These lessons are not taught in any classroom, but carry universal truths of taming the negative emotions of excessive fear, anger, and sadness, which are much of the foundation of human personality. *Geographically, the journey began in Chatham County during the days of corporal punishent and segregation. Ironically, the road to College at Winston-Salem State University led to a return to an overwhelmingly black student body, with its many advantages and disadvantages. Most importantly, it provided the opportunity to shed limitations, develop vision, and to see race as a conquerable obstacle. *Four years in the integrated workforce as a Medical Technologist set the stage for entry into the professional world. Shielded from fear by his own narcissism and ignorance, the real transformation began in late 1986 at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Ken's life ultimately developed upward momentum as much of the negative weight was traumatically filtered from his personality forever. *A glimpse of the future began during a third year student clerkship in Psychiatry at Dorothea Dix State Mental Institution. Eventually, his destination became more clear. *He trained as a Resident Physician in Psychiatry at UNC after medical school, then began a career as a Psychiatrist in Burlington, N.C. at Alamance County Mental Health Center in 1996. Through that affiliation he eventually began a private practice, also continuing service to under-served patients in the community, a residential treatment facility, and the County Jail in the State Capital of Raleigh, NC. *At the time this book is published, the future of our mental health care delivery system is in doubt as the system is overhauled by our governments, seeming to be low on the priority list. *Dr. Headen's role for the future has yet to be defined, but stay tuned.

EVOLUTION OF A PSYCHIATRIST : Against the Odds by Kenneth J Headen, MDPublisher: BookSurge PublishingISBN: 1-59457-522-3 Binding: Trade Paper 258 pages

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Description:

A colored boy grows up during the 1960's in rural North Carolina trying to fit in. Uniquely equipped to survive, he learns to tap into physical abilities, his spirit, and his intellect, to overcome adversities, while eventually pursuing his calling in the mental health arena. He learns that through God, all things are possible. Even with an undiagnosed handicap, he uses the energy of the monster within to motivate his navigation through a society laced with prejudices and racism. Ken often finds himself in a position where he feels as though he represents an entire race of people. From his perspective, failure represents letting down those who gave their lives to allow him the opportunities he has. In his pre 30's mind the situation becomes do or die. He has learned early that there is no substitute for perserverance and understanding what makes people tic in order to meet desired goals in life. He also discovers that fear is ever-present, but gaining control of fear can be be a ticket to salvation. The book shows a perspective of medical school from the student who is not at the head of the class. It also shows that being a genius is not a requirement to competently practice medicine. Sometimes character and heart are more important than academic excellence alone. The book illustrates that hard work does pay off, and that one should never allow others to deter them from their dreams. http://journals.aol.com/kheadenmd/Thoughtsfromtheheadoc