Gary Pinta, M.D., knew it. During his clinical experiences at NEOMED, he realized he wanted to practice primary care. He also wanted to make a name for himself and own a business. But it wasn’t until he reached a point of vulnerability as a physician that he could trust his instincts that all three could intersect. 

For some health professionals, pivotal moments occur even earlier. James Kravec, M.D., felt a calling to serve others when he was just a high school student who was given the opportunity to shadow some physicians.

Tom Vo, M.D., confesses to not being at the top of his medical student class. But his emotional intelligence was high, and he learned that his affinity for helping others was sharpened as he interacted with others, saw what pressed their buttons and understood what made them happy. 

Being the first from your specialty to practice or teach across disciplines can present its own dilemmas as you – and others – question what you are doing. Michelle Cudnik, Pharm.D., describes the life of an “Interprofessionalist.”

Inquiry, learning and practice— all play a huge role in building upon experiences to be able to do all you can to help. In “My Gracious,” Petrea Cober, Pharm. D., comes to the realization that when all that you can do isn’t good enough and the worst experience of them all occurs, “You have to know that there is nothing that you have not tried or done to help that patient get better.”

Experiences teach us a lot, but we won’t always be happy with the outcomes.  

Explaining why he chose his specialty, Tom File, M.D., an infectious disease expert who’s been practicing for 50 years, says, “A lot of what we do has to do with mentorship and the inspiration we’ve had from people with whom we’ve worked.” He thought he’d pursue family medicine, but he became inspired by the very first fellow resident he met who happened to be focused on infectious disease. “I thought it was a very intriguing field as you can actually cure patients the majority of times,” said Dr. File. 

The joy of healing those who need our help is what drives our passion to serve, but it is our experience that shapes how we do it.