You know, I think multiple individuals over the course of my journey with my husband have always inquired about how it feels to gather with a group of "those in medicine." "Do you feel left out?" "Is it weird being married to someone who has such a completely different field?" And you know, I think over the course of just one year my perceptions of medicine have changed dramatically and the people and their goals and my want to really actively listen to what it is they are doing and wanting to achieve (even if perhaps I do not understand all of those key phrases.) For we are much more than our vocation. We learn even more by exploring the vocations of others, their dedication and community. 

Last night I had the privilege of attending the Plastic Surgery Graduation through The University of Pittsburgh and it was so much more than I had anticipated. I think what struck me as most whimsical was the major emphasis this program places on family, love, guidance, mentorship and teaching. There were multiple faculty awards given to the best "mentor" and some of the comments were filled with love: "Someone you never want to disappoint" "Like a father figure to me" "Always willing to patiently teach us whatever it is we need to know," "tough but full patience, wisdom and guidance." The man who was awarded the mentorship honor was an unbelievable man who talked about his family and his family at the University of Pittsburgh. He stressed over and over again this idea that he has never once had to work a day in his life. And by his tears and his smile, you could tell that this award meant more to him than any surgery performed-a huge acknowledgement of his ability to both be a surgeon and teach how to be one with respect, with patience, with a humble heart with the precision of a master teacher. 

From the countless individuals who said goodbye last night in their speeches their passion for what they do not only struck me, their poise was obviously remarkable but what really touched me was the rawness of emotions when talking about their Pitt family, the community, the wisdom and the guidance they received whilst on this whimsical ride and the obvious impact their mentors have had on them both academically and personally. I suppose it should not have been a surprise to me to see so many tears and grateful hearts as many of these individuals have been at this academic institution for six years or more depending on their time off for research. I cry when my students leave me at the end of one year. I cannot imagine how I would feel when saying goodbye to my students of six years. 

Whether you are a teacher or not, the need for patient and empathetic mentors is what helps to make this world a more beautiful place. Education and mentorship are intertwined and woven into any career path one may find themselves on and sometimes the career itself gets much more attention than the mentorship piece. But from watching my dad mentor countless students over the years in his research, there is no greater joy than assisting, helping, teaching and passing on knowledge so that the next generation of students carries with them that same passion, that same art, that same optimism and innovation and can share their experience with others. Mentorship is the true act of multiplying love because it is the relationships and the wisdom gained from those relationships that far at last any single day in the OR or any single subject taught. That mentorship whimsy is everlasting. So I challenge you, if you have not yet found it within yourself to have patience, dig deep from within. Mentor someone with an open heart, a kind soul and a twinkle in your eye knowing that even if this work goes unnoticed, it is helping to change heart and in return, change the world.