Serendipity and Stamina: Staying the Course

Abstract

During my career as a physician-scientist and my time as a mentor to young physician-scientists, I have been impressed that for success, one needs intellectual curiosity, good mentoring throughout one’s career, the opportunity to work on important problems where little is known, the good fortune to find astute clinical partners, and the ability to work collaboratively in teams. My professional journey has been greatly enriched not only by insightful teachers and selfless mentors, some whom I have sought out and some who have found me, but also by learning early on in my career the benefits of hard work and a bit of good luck. I have followed a somewhat winding educational path to develop the skills, focus the motivation, and establish the contacts and collaborations that have contributed to my career.