Random things people say can resonate and stick with you for a long time, especially if those people are those you really respect, and are where you professionally want to be far into the future.

- On death:  "Each patient's life is ultimately in God's hands.  I am simply given the opportunity to help as I can, and I can have peace with that."

- On listening:  "A patient's story can help solve the puzzle at the very last minute."

- On studying:  "I'm not very smart, I just worked very hard.  My motto was, Every day is exam day."

- On this path:  "Don't ever let anyone make you feel lesser for doing osteopathic medicine.  All my DO colleagues are excellent.  You're in a rare position to change people's lives, and that's the best reward."

- On medical school:  "Your health comes first.  Stress can kill you - literally.  I had a classmate who took pills to help him study, and one day he just didn't wake up.  There's no time for a relationship.  Throughout med school, I wore a wedding ring.  Said I already had two kids.  All the girls came to me with boyfriend problems - I became their counselor!  My (now) wife was the only one who found out I was lying, so she got me."