Off The Map Discussion Board for Christians, Atheists and People In-between

Eliza · Joined: 24 Mar 2006 Posts: 800 Location: Seattle WA

I'm from blue states: Illinois (not Joliet) then California (Bay Area then LA) then Boston MA then Seattle WA, now settled.

Went to a science & engineering college, majored in chemistry, went to grad school in chemistry then bailed out for internal medicine, was in private group practice for 5 years, then bailed out for a university 7 years ago, where I get to teach & explore areas of interest as well as practice clinical medicine. (One of these days I'll get it right, bah boom.)

Married (to a former altar boy turned atheist; engineer); we have a 7.5 year old son (who says he does not believe in God; I'm trying to make sure he knows there are other paths) and nearly 13-year-old dog (the dog has not revealed his religious beliefs but he does seem to revere the treat jar).

Have also been a patient for several years (chronic pain of a few different types; ~6 surgeries, no cures) so have seen what's it like from "the other side" and feel very passionate about treating people not just diseases. Alot of my patients are Christian, & they assume I am, too. So far I have not said or worn anything that would correct that assumption, as it seems reassuring to those patients to believe that I have the same belief system (though I don't actively mislead them).

Ir (Helen) · Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 609

Eliza, were you always an atheist?

I apologize if you have addressed this question on the OTM blog and I've forgotten the answer Smile

Siamang · Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 1144

Welcome, Eliza.

Great to hear about you. A doctor, huh?

You know.. I got this funny pain right here when i raise my arm......

KIDDING!

Guest · Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2006 5:53 pm Post subject:

Don't raise your arm.

Tom

Eliza · Joined: 24 Mar 2006 Posts: 800 Location: Seattle WA

Ir, I've now posted a message in the "How I got my beliefs" section, to answer your question (and because I was thinking of doing so anyway). Basically, yes, always an atheist though I've gone back and forth between calling myself atheist and agnostic. Mostly semantics.

Tom, I was going to say that! (And send Siamang a bill!)

All - I have a big project I've been procrastinating on because I've been so interested in the discussions here. I've got to work on it for the rest of this week (in addition to seeing patients), then I'll be traveling for a week, so I likely won't be online much if at all. Please, if you see me posting after this, send a little slap on the hand (and maybe one of you tech types can remotely disconnect me!) Wink

liz · Joined: 26 Mar 2006 Posts: 9

this can be your ocassional r & r eliza. i spent the last 2 weeks tearing out carpet, refinishing floors, painting walls, ceilings, trim-with the help of a son and a son in law...aaaahh but its so beautiful i think as i hobble around with an achy back!!