There’s a saying I often return to: we didn’t choose medicine — medicine chose us. That belief has shaped every decision I’ve made, from my early days in Cairo to my current practice in Texas.

When I meet a young medical student or resident overwhelmed by the pace or pressure, I remind them that their presence in this field is no accident. It’s a calling — and with that comes responsibility, but also grace. We’ve been entrusted with people at their most vulnerable. The mindset that sustains us isn’t ambition or accolades. It’s stewardship.

As physicians, we must care for our talent like a gift. When we operate from a place of honesty, humility, and gratitude, even the hardest days carry purpose.