Reflections on Doctors’ Day: Advice I Would Give My Younger Self

“Struggle, sacrifice, and perseverance are all part of a purpose-driven life — and the outcome is the ability to serve our patients, which is the ultimate reward.”

— Dr. Vivian Bea
Section Chief of Breast Surgical Oncology and Director of the Breast Program at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital
Assistant Professor of Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine

“Medicine is constantly changing. Do not be afraid to admit there’s something you don’t know and be willing to do your research. Lifelong learning is part and parcel of being a physician.”

— Dr. Medleen Charles
Obstetrician and Gynecologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital
Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

“Don’t be afraid to prioritize your own health and find a way to proactively share what you have found beneficial to the greater public at large.”

— Dr. Carl Crawford
Attending Physician at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Weill Cornell Medicine

“The values and work ethic that were instilled in you at a young age were exactly correct: Be sincere, put in your best effort, and maintain kindness and compassion. That approach to patient care was correct then, and holds true now.”

— Dr. Jeffrey Geller
Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital
Nas S. Eftekhar Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

“It’s OK to fail as you work towards achieving your dreams, and asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Life is a journey, not a destination, so be flexible and learn from the mistakes you make along the way, and above all, never lose sight of your family and the loved ones you rely on, and those who rely on you.”

— Dr. Renuka Gupta
Chief of Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital
Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine

“As difficult as career choices may seem, if you follow your heart and passion rather than what is considered ‘safe’ or ‘lucrative,’ you will achieve your goals and find an incredible amount of satisfaction in what you do.”

— Dr. Ralf Holzer
Chief of the Division of Pediatric Cardiology at NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children’s Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine
David Wallace-Starr Foundation Professor of Clinical Pediatric Cardiology at Weill Cornell Medicine

“Time is going to pass no matter what you do – make it count!”

— Dr. Erin Iannacone
Director of ECMO at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center
Assistant Professor of Clinical Cardiothoracic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine

“Everything happens for a reason. Both successes and failures shape your life’s journey and make you a better physician and person.”

— Dr. Lisa Kachnic
Chief of the Radiation Oncology Service at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
Associate Director for Cancer Network Strategy in the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center

“You will figure out through experience that it is the human connection and connectivity that matter. Take every opportunity you can to run towards that and prioritize it.”

— Dr. Jordan Orange
Physician-in-Chief at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
Chair of Pediatrics at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

“Never underestimate the power of mentors, sponsors, and your collaborator network as critical to solving big problems, and thank those that help put you in a position to be a changemaker.”

— Dr. Sallie Permar
Pediatrician-in-Chief at NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children’s Hospital
Chair of the Department of Pediatrics and Nancy C. Paduano Professor in Pediatrics
at Weill Cornell Medicine

“Everything your parents taught you was true: Work hard, believe in yourself, and be kinder than is necessary to others.”

— Dr. Christopher Petit
Chief of the Pediatric Cardiology service at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
Chief of the Division of Pediatric Cardiology in the Department of Pediatrics at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

“The human connection is and always will be the most special, sacred, and rewarding aspect of medicine. It is the atomic unit of a successful doctor-patient relationship from which all else of importance grows.”

— Dr. Rohan Ramakrishna
Chief of Neurological Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital
Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine

“It’s important to plan ahead and outline your goals for the future. However, don’t get fixated on them. Live life with open arms and you will end up where you’re meant to be.”

— Dr. J. Ricky Singh
Director of Interventional Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian Och Spine
Vice Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine

“It’s important to make plans, but the saying ‘write them in pencil’ rings true to me now. Expect the unexpected and be ready to adapt.”

— Dr. David Slotwiner
Chief of Cardiology at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine and of Population Health Sciences at Weill Cornell Medicine

“Failure is an opportunity and a necessary ingredient to achieve success.”

— Dr. Lucille Torres-Deas
Medical Director at the NewYork-Presbyterian Ambulatory Care Network Internal Medicine Primary Care Clinics
Director of Internal Medicine Community and Population Health at NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital
Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Medicine at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

“Always be open to unexpected opportunities; chance favors the prepared mind.”

— Dr. Philip J. Wilner
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health Center
Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine

“Be patient. Things have a way of working out on their own.”

— Dr. Alfred Winkler
Chief of Urology at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital
Assistant Professor of Clinical Urology at Weill Cornell Medicine