What do you enjoy most about your research in TARGet Kids? I really like turning clinical questions, such as the day-today questions I struggle with, into research questions. I like the scholarly pursuit of answering these questions. As a pediatrician I feel confused a lot and I like being able to lesson my own confusion. I think that is one of the most important and gratifying things about being a clinicianscientist.
A
You mentioned the importance of having a mentor. Were there any mentors who guided you? What advice did they give you? There is a lot of interaction between you and your mentor, and this happens on an ongoing basis that cumulatively results in learning. So my experience is not based on one thing, but rather the cumulative steps along the way.
As you highlighted the importance of planning, did everything work out as you planned? I’ ve been a lucky guy on many occasions. I can’ t say that I had things all planned out, but I’ ve been fortunate that things that were hard to plan happened. Hard work pays off and I feel very fortunate.
What advice would yougive to graduate students? I think it is important to know ourselves and be truthful to ourselves- to recognize what we like and don’ t like. For many this is challenging because the world may not be exactly like us and we have to find our own way. This can be a tricky thing. In my experience, the ones who do this well tend to be happy because they end up doing what they like.
Lastly, are there any words youlive by? Be honest with yourself and those around you. Sounds cliché but I think that is a key to being healthy and wise.
Faculty
Interview
SPRING 2016 | From Prescription to Nutrition | 33