Significant Career Lesson From A Neurosurgery Resident At Vanderbilt
Kwadwo, a neurosurgery resident, attributes much of career success to "humility, integrity, and being professional," treating everyone with respect, regardless of their position—a perspective shaped by prior experience in manual labor roles such as housekeeping. This approach fosters positive relationships, as evidenced by Kwadwo's observation that "everyone in the hospital is always happy to see me."
Humility, Integrity, Professionalism, Communication, Respect
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Kwadwo (Kojo) Sarpong
Resident Physician - Neurosurgery
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Emory University
Georgetown University School of Medicine, M.D.
Biology & Related Sciences
Healthcare, Medical & Wellness, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Medical
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Humility is essential in interacting with colleagues at all levels.
2. Integrity and professionalism are critical for career success.
3. Positive interactions with everyone create a supportive work environment and strong professional relationships.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
I think personally, based on my background, I did housekeeping and many manual jobs before getting to where I am now. Humility, having that humble personality, but also integrity and being professional are critical characteristics that have truly gotten me to this point.
I speak with everyone at the hospital, no matter their position, because I have been there before. I was that person cleaning after you, I was the same person cleaning those bathrooms. So I do not see my position as a neurosurgery resident as me being hired or above anybody else.
That humility to be able to talk to everyone, having the integrity to make sure you're doing the right thing at all times, and being professional with all your coworkers and people you work with, regardless of their position or role, has been my selling point. It has carried me well.
Everyone in the hospital is always happy to see me. They are always happy to talk to me, from the housekeepers to the nurses to my fellow colleagues. Everyone is always happy to see me because I always carry a smile and I'm always happy talking to everyone.
Advizer Personal Links
Instagram: @i_am_nanakojo
LinkedIn: Kwadwo Sarpong