“Take Your Voodoo And Go!”

The doctors in the amphitheater squirmed in their seats, checked watches, texted, or murmured to their neighbors. Some wore scrubs, others white jackets. All had somewhere they’d rather be, seeing patients or making rounds at the hospital…

 “Doctors, please give a warm welcome to Ms. Sharona Ellis-Dawes. As some of you may know from recent stories in the media, Ms. Ellis-Dawes has some very exciting news to share with you all.”

A smattering of physicians in the room applauded.
Some booed.
Shamus sat silent.
“You’re not welcome!” someone shouted from the back.
“Take your voodoo and go,” hooted another.

Dr. Shamus Lund had been called on by thousands of medical reps in his twenty-five years at Hopkins. This one dressed the part. Conservative business suit, blouse unbuttoned at the top to tease with a hint of sexuality. Not enough to offend female physicians. Just enough to get a male’s attention. Chic hairstyle, glossy lips, and understated makeup.

Ms. Ellis-Dawes checked every box in the profile with one important difference. She was not here to take orders for whatever pill or product she was hawking . . . She was here to give them.