College Experiences That Helped A Neurosurgery Resident At Vanderbilt Medical Center Succeed

I think research is a very critical part of neurosurgery. So, very early on, I engaged in research.

This played a critical role in where I am today. It also involved seeking out mentors, not just waiting for people to reach out to you.

I actively sought out mentors who became sponsors. A mentor will guide you through the process, while a sponsor will go a step further by making calls or reaching out to people on your behalf. You need a mentor to get a sponsor.

In college, I engaged in research and sought out mentors and sponsors. Having curiosity and not giving up were also important. You have to understand that you will fail at some point.

Everyone may think that as a neurosurgery resident, I probably excelled in all my previous studies. That was not the case. You will fail at something.

Being able to have tenacity and perseverance, and knowing this is what you want to do with your life, allows you to push through. I sought out mentors to help guide me.

These have been key characteristics I picked up early on in undergrad that have served me well. I still seek out mentors even now. These things truly changed the course of my career: mentorship, perseverance, and not giving up.

Knowing that failure will come at some point, your ability to get back up truly defines who you are.