Editor’s Note: Here are many valuable pearls.
I had no intention of going to medical school. I was an engineer by training with a focus on bioengineering and materials science. Someone along the way told me “You talk too much” to fit the mold of an engineer. I was also told that I was “not brilliant enough” to excel in engineering.
I thought this over and did some medical shadowing. I found I enjoyed talking to patients. Maybe a career in medicine was for me. The problem, of course, was I had not prepared myself with all the prerequisites for medical school. I had to complete the necessary courses while I was in the process of applying to medical schools. I earned my admission.
I also did not want to go into surgery but, of course, had required surgical rotations to do. During those rotations, I interacted with some notable orthopedists who told me they “liked how my brain worked” and that I should consider orthopedics. Unlike my peers who knew they wanted to become orthopedic surgeons since birth, I wasn’t as sure.
I gave the prospect serious thought and decided to apply for an orthopedic residency. Thankfully, I was accepted into a fine program. Hearing this, my father who was a mechanical engineering professor, told me “You don’t have the hands for orthopedic surgery because you don’t know how to pound nails, use a saw, or handle power tools. You and I are building a cottage this summer.” And build we did. He was hard on me in order to help me succeed. In fact, he became my first orthopedic mentor.
Mentorship is active, not passive. In training and during early career, mentors may be tough on you. Those most critical are often the ones who most want you to succeed. Embrace the feedback and work to get better. Try to emulate your mentor and gradually add your own style.
Later, mentoring becomes a two-way street, both active and interactive. We can learn from our younger colleagues while still giving them guidance. Understand your impact and appreciate what you can learn in exchange. Never become complacent or quiescent.