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Matthew Furtick, Courier And Tea Brewer

Courier for the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation service has side business in tea

Matthew Furtick delivers blood products for the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation service. Photo by Marsha A. Green.
Matthew Furtick delivers blood products for the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation service. Photo by Marsha A. Green.

Name: Matthew Furtick

Position: Courier for the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation service

Years at Duke:  5

What I do at Duke is: I transport blood products and paperwork - and sometimes staff - between the Stem Cell Lab at the North Pavilion and Duke Hospital. I drive a Duke van, park it at the hospital, and then take the cooler up to the 5200 unit where they treat the kids. I make 15 to 20 trips around campus on an average day, and we have to deal with paperwork each time, so I get to know the doctors and nurses over there pretty well.

If someone wanted to start a conversation with me, they should ask me about: Politics. I'm interested in what is going on nationally and internationally. Right now, the most relevant issue I'm following is the stalemate between Democrats and Republicans as far as getting things taken care of in this nation.

My first paid job was: I was a busboy at Renee's Eatery in Scarsdale, New York, when I was 14 before we moved back down to Durham.

My dream job is: To own and run my own herbal tea business. I've been studying herbs for 20 years now, and I've already started the business: Black Cat Teas. But right now, we are only marketing three teas: Chai, Morning Strength Tea and Evening Relaxation Tea.

If I had $5 million I would: Start my own business the right way. And I'd help out family and friends. If there was any left over after that, I'd help out other people in need.

When I am not at work, I like to: Relax and read and go to the movies, particularly when I can find a date.

What I love about Duke is: The basketball team. I've been a Blue Devil basketball fan for many years. Growing up in Durham, you've got to either go for Carolina or Duke. In our family, there is a big rivalry: my brother is a Carolina fan. But I love working at Duke and feeling closer to the Blue Devils.

If I had one superpower, it would be: Super strength, because you can make things happen when you are strong.

Something most people don't know about me is: I was a DJ for reggae programs for 12 years at North Carolina Central University's radio station, WNCU.

The best advice I've ever received was: Psalm 1, where it talks about "Blessed is the man who delights in the law of the Lord" and says "whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." It seems like a straightforward, but not necessarily easy, instruction on how to obtain blessings. 

 

Matthew Furtick was nominated as a Blue Devil of the Week by a colleague. Do you have someone special in mind for Blue Devil of the Week? Nominate your colleague.