People often ask me, “Why do you fly to another city to give a talk, only to fly back home 12 hours later and go right to the office? Why do you give up precious clinic and OR time to attend meetings and lecture, mentor, or gather with colleagues? Why do you give up your evenings and weekends—and time with your family—to write articles, participate in virtual meetings, and give webinars?”
In a world that often prioritizes
profit, productivity, and prestige, it’s easy to forget the quiet yet persistent force that drives true excellence:
passion. Passion is what wakes us up early, keeps us up late, and fills the spaces between with meaning. It’s the reason so many of us choose paths that are challenging, uncertain, and often thankless. When we love what we do, the reward isn’t just in the outcome—it’s in the doing.
I’ve had this conversation with myself and many of my colleagues, and the common thread is a deep connection to our work. As my dear friend and colleague Dr. Maria Scott has reminded me many times over the years, you will always make more money working in your office than traveling to meetings. She has also counseled me that the only people who will miss you when you’re gone are your family and true friends. Often, once we retire, we are slowly (or quickly) forgotten.
All of that is true, so why do we continue to sacrifice time with family and patients to educate and learn from others? For some, it’s ego or the fear of missing out that drives us. For me, it’s the moments when I know that my lecture has changed the way another person thinks about something, and perhaps empowers them to take a new approach to a common problem. It’s the eager looks on the faces of the young doctors I am fortunate enough to mentor. It’s the thrill of learning a new technology and sharing it with others because I want them to experience the same thrill. It’s the passion!
It’s what makes the long hours feel worth it, and why I keep showing up.
But passion isn’t just about doing what you love—it’s about loving how you do it. It shows up in the details: the extra time spent, the thoughtful touches, the willingness to do more than what’s required. Passion doesn’t always lead to fame or fortune, but it almost always leads to fulfillment.
So, when the days feel long and the progress feels slow, remember this: If you’re doing it with heart, you’re doing it right. The world needs more people who are lit from within—not because they’re told to shine, but because they can’t help it.
Do it for the impact. Do it for the love. But most of all, do it because it’s who you are. OM
