Choosing Role Models As One Grows Up - Time Out #494

There are many elements involved in the complex human process of "growing up" i.e., maturing.

       Nature vs. nurture is always vigorously debated; just which one is more important in the development of a human personality? That is to ask this pointed question, are inherited genetics more important than close relationships (family, friends, etc.), as a person's inner self develops in the first decade of their life?    

      Well, rather than get stuck in that quagmire of no real correct answer to that powerful question, let's briefly explore a related aspect of that deep-dive mental topic. Let's discuss the subject of role models, encompassed in the popular advertising phrase from a few years back, "I want to be like Mike" (as in basketball superstar Michael Jordan). Remember that often-quoted phrase, loyal readers?    

     When I am fully engaged doing an important OU Medical School interview (which I have been involved for 28 years), I  frequently ask the applicant, "Please name us 3 of your heroes, and tell us why in each case?". Obviously, this question has no right or wrong answers, but it allows us insight into how this applicant thinks about a myriad of topics. My duty in conducting these interviews is to help select, in my opinion, the best of the best qualified applicants for admission into the important halls of medical education in our great state. Almost all of our committee's chosen medical students are graduated into practice several years after our interviews are held.   

     As I reflect on my own formative years, in addition to my dear father, Air Force Col. C.H. Breedlove, my biggest heroes growing up were my public school teachers in Our Town. Familiar names like Mrs. M.Jones, Miss L. Lawhon,  Mrs. E. DeBenning, Mrs. T. Troth in my elementary school days, Mrs. J. Loper in high school, and Dr. H. Johnson in my undergraduate years at OSU, truly were my "heroes". Because I have a strong family heritage of gifted teachers, this group of educators I previously listed, were very important role models for me during my youth years, growing up in Our Town. 

   For many years now, I have mentored many young people who believe they want to pursue life careers in medicine. The most important thing I tell these folks is to simply ask any older professionals they interact with 2 vital questions; 1) "If you had a career do-over, would you pursue the same training path again? This merely is a "yes" or "no" answer, "maybe" is not allowed. 2) Much more important than the first question, however, "Why did you tell me the first answer?" The insight the questioning student gains each time he/she hears the responses is absolutely priceless in helping them decide on a future career.     

     So, growing up in today's complex world is certainly difficult and challenging. To make your career path easier, please give your best effort at  focusing your attention on the top role-model people you respect and admire. If you do this, you will probably make good life choices. May the force be with you, folks!