Being part of an academic department brings many benefits. Of course, the primary benefit for someone like me is the opportunity to teach the next generation of physician anesthesiologists. Perhaps one of my future editorials will expand on that particular concept. Another advantage of academic work is being able to participate in recruitment interviews for medical students, residents and fellows. Medical student and resident applicants still have to prepare a personal statement, a document designed to catch the eye of the reviewer, perhaps to even tug at their heartstrings. These personal stories describe experiences as diverse as the individual applicants. There is a common theme, however. And that repeated motif is altruism – a calling to medicine, a desire to serve the populace in a meaningful and self-fulfilling manner.
When I was younger, I recall early attempts at telemarketing, while I repeated the question from the person on the other...
