“We can't become what we need to be by remaining what we are.”
– Oprah Winfrey
At The Ohio State University College of Medicine, we are surrounded by growth. With summer months approaching, trees, bushes and gardens are budding, blooming and growing. Buildings are springing up everywhere too: Construction continues on the new Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Center, the inpatient tower, the Interdisciplinary Research Facility and outpatient clinics around the city.
Of course, growth also extends to people – both personally and professionally. In our daily lives, we often find ourselves so swamped with work that it can seem almost daunting to set growth goals for ourselves. To discover our strengths. To explore our passions.
English novelist George Eliot wrote: “It’s never too late to be who you might have been.” We should pursue our lives and our careers with no regrets. I am a fierce advocate for leadership development for all. When life presents an opportunity to grow, you should embrace it.
Is there something you would like to learn? Take advantage of our tuition benefit and enroll in a class. Would you like to be promoted? Actively seek guidance from a good mentor. Is there a national association that interests you? Become a member or seek election to its board. Are you a bit bored in your current role? Look for opportunities to grow. Become better. Expand what you do. Take chances. Develop your skillsets. Embrace challenges. Put forth your best effort. Find ways to improve yourself.
Over the years, I have grown as a learner, a doctor, a surgeon, an administrator, a leader and especially as a person. I use the knowledge I have gained, the skills I have acquired, the victories I have achieved, the losses I have endured and the lessons I have learned to positively impact academic medicine.
And I know you do too. For example, I watched you grow as you led a tremendous pandemic response. The impact you have had on our communities is absolutely incredible.
I am excited to see your continued professional growth, so that you can become what you “need to be.” Remember, you are in control of who you are and of what you do in life. It is up to you to determine how you would like to grow next.
Dean, College of Medicine
Leslie H. and Abigail S. Wexner Dean’s Chair in Medicine
Vice President for Health Sciences, Wexner Medical Center