Step aside, Dr. Dre

A Baldwin doctor is helping to spread the word on the H1N1 virus, but he's not exactly using medical terms to do it. Dr. John Clarke has combined his medical expertise with his musical talent to make a rap video for the United States Department of Health and Human Services' public service announcement contest, and was named one of just 10 finalists in the nation.

In the video, which can be seen on YouTube or at the contest Web site, www.flu.gov, Clarke, 38, who works as medical director for the Long Island Rail Road, explained that he used the information on the site to educate himself before writing the lyrics. A sample of his lyrics are as follows:

"I'm recommending washing hands for protection, front and back, real thorough, while you count 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer, I advise you get it, why? It makes germs die when you run and let it dry."

Clarke has been rapping since he was 8, and began composing and producing tracks in 1992. In 1997, he combined his desire to reach out to young people on medical information with his rap talent to create a music genre he calls "Health-Hop." He has appeared in numerous magazines and medical publications and on television and radio programs nationwide. In 1999, Clarke was a winner in the hip-hop category of the John Lennon Song Writing Contest for his song "Sex & Drugs," and also in the children's category with "Dr. Dooitt." In 2001, he received WB11's Unsung Heroes Award for outstanding community service.

The public service announcement contest, which will award $2,500 to the winner and air their piece on national television, started Aug. 29 and will run until Sept. 16. To cast your vote, visit www.youtube.com/USGOVHHS.

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