The Best Advice I Have Ever Received...

Ok, maybe not the best ever... but the best career advice I think. I have a fantasy of someday building a self-sustaining clinic in a developing country... that is completely independent of foreign aid or doctors... a project description best left to another post. But.... I know a physician who did just that! And so of course I pester him quite often about how/what/where/and how the heck can I be just like him.

Here's his advice. Write this down. It's like gold.

In order to be a physician and incorporate international projects into your career... here you go!

1. Broadening your horizons with an MPH or the like is very helpful. An MD is for medicine.... but anything you can do to increase your exposure to public health issues is extremely beneficial.

2. Learn languages, and learn them well! Communication is the #1 key to success in every field!

3. If you want to make the world a better place, medicine isn't the only way to do it. Business, politics, research, nursing, economics, environmental conservation, teaching... you can make a huge difference in many fields.

4. Pick a residency that you LIKE. Don't pick something that you assume will be useful internationally. It all will be useful. You'll be happier if you follow your passions.

5. (My personal favorite). Choose a spouse who has compatible goals and who supports your international endeavors. Having a supportive or non-supportive spouse can really make or break you.