Interlude: (Or Let Us Take A Break From Acronyms)

Summary

We are about halfway through our story. You have been bombarded with acronyms. After a reading of an early version of the manuscript, one of our coauthors remarked: “My head is spinning with all the acronyms! You need a glossary.” Well, we included a list of abbreviations; but that did not seem enough remedy for a problem that plagues all organizations.

We have written about Stephen B. Sulkes, MD. You know from our narrative he has had a major impact on training and service programs. But you may not know that he is also a fine poet and lyricist. He has composed many alternative lyrics to famous melodies. He has done so both in Rochester, at AUCD (oops, we hope you will forgive the mention of an acronym), and at other venues and organizations around the world. We are not sure if he has ever been compensated for his work.

The first author used to cringe whenever Dr. Sulkes led our group in song. Dr. Davidson now admits his mistake. Dr. Sulkes’ lyrics brought cheer and laughter to any group where they were performed. I really was not then and am not now a grump; and at some level, both Susan and I appreciated what Steve was contributing.

Over the many years Dr. Sulkes has been with the University of Rochester, he must have composed dozens of alternative lyrics. We are sure none were ever published—not until now. We asked Dr. Sulkes to pick one of his poems for inclusion in this book. Appropriately, he picked one that makes fun of all the acronyms accumulated at the center, at least until the mid-1990s. We deserve no less!

Identity Crisis

Stephen B. Sulkes, MD

When I first came to work here it was at DCDD

And now and then I saw a kid cared for by BDC.

We lacked coordination and a funder with a name

But then we got the things we sought and this is how they came:

Andrew J. Kirch Developmental Services Center—If you want to

say this name you need a fulltime mentor,

But if you keep on using it, you’ll cheer for its inventor.

Andrew J. Kirch Developmental Services Center!

After a while my clinic's name was changed to CDA.