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 .
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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