•What drove you to be a surgeon?

 

Evers since I was a young boy, I have always been fascinated with human anatomy and physiology. I would never get bored learning about the complexities of the human body and how everything works. The best way to do that was to become a surgeon.

 

•What made you choose the specialty you have now? 

What was the event that occurred that you knew this was the specialty for?

 

I decided to be an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck surgeon in my third year of medical school. I had seen that it was these doctors that treated many of the senses that are so important, such as breathing, speaking, hearing, swallowing, tasting, and smelling. Furthermore, I realized then that I would be able to treat patients both medically and surgically. It allowed me to treat both male and female patients ranging from newborn to the elderly. I would also be able to practice in a small town or a very large city. Thus, there were few limits on how and where I could practice.

 

•How many years of school did you attend to finish your specialty? What was the most challenging part of getting through this time?

 

After finishing high school, I completed four years of undergraduate university with an honours bachelor degree in Kinesiology. I then completed a PhD in Physiology and Biophysics during the following four years. From there I went to medical school for four years. Then I completed five years of surgical training. Yes, that makes 17 years of education after high school. 

 

The most challenging part would include the long and (many times) intense hours of studying and surgical training during surgical residency over 5 years. You quickly learn how to function on little sleep. During this time, I was also a husband and father 

 

•Do you enjoy what you do? Why?

 

Yes. I cannot think of myself doing anything else and having this level of satisfaction with my life. But like most jobs there are some things I don't want to do as well.

 

•Is there a specific part of your job that makes it great? If so, could you please describe it?

 

The best parts of my job that make it great include improving the quality and quantity of peoples’ lives. This could include simple measures such as relieving pain in a young boy. It also includes performing life-saving surgery.

 

 

•Were there many “ road blocks “ in becoming surgeon?

 

Like most professional careers, there were many obstacles and challenges to becoming a surgeon. To name a few, I would include the long hours of disciplined study and training, the passing of many exams along the way, the skill of balancing work and family, and the pressure of competition and judgement by your peers and supervisors. Also, there are financial road blocks to consider.

 

•Was there a specialty that you almost chose instead of the one you have now?

 

If I was not an Otolaryngologist, I would have chosen to become a heart surgeon. However I enjoy all forms of surgery and feel I would be happy doing any of them.

 

•What are the biggest challenges facing doctors/surgeons?

 

There are many challenges facing doctors and surgeons on a daily basis. This includes maintaining competency and keeping up-to-date on the progress in medicine and surgery. This includes reviewing the latest research, and learning about new medicines, technology, and surgical techniques in treating patients. On the personal side of things, a big challenge for many doctors includes balancing work life with family.

 

•What do you think are the most important qualities for someone to excel in this role?

 

This is a hard question to answer succinctly. Different surgeons have different qualities that make them excel at their job. Having a desire for lifelong learning and striving to be better everyday is an important quality. To do this, one needs discipline, professionalism, and independence.

 

•Do you find yourself sometimes excited for work or is it always a pain?

 

There are many days that I am excited to go to work. This usually includes days when I operate. However, consulting with patients (in my office) with serious health concerns is also rewarding, especially when I can help them fully. Like many jobs, some days pose a new challenge, while others may be filled with stress or boredom.