MD W H Y I B E CA M E
A DOCTOR Written by Julie Taylor
D
espite the challenges one may encounter on the path to becoming a physician, there are distinct and profound reasons for pursuing a career in medicine. It could be a childhood illness, a sick relative or parent, legacy physicians as role models, a love for science or even a dream. It’s a demanding career requiring years of schooling, constant training and a chaotic schedule, but the challenges and rewards are abundant and often the driving force behind choosing to become a doctor. For many, medicine is a calling. OnCenter reached out to Torrance Memorial physicians, who enthusiastically embraced the idea of sharing their inspiring stories. As you will see, the reasons run the gamut from funny and charming to serious and heartbreaking. But they all offer compelling insights into what makes a person choose such a demanding path. In upcoming issues, we will feature more stories about doctors living out their dreams and making a difference by empowering patients to take control of their health, save lives in unexpected emergencies and play a critical role in the ever-growing field of medicine. Would you like to share your story for a future issue? Please connect with us at OnCenter@tmmc.com.
“My brother-in-law was an influence but really it was watching Ben Casey a dramatic doctor TV show. He was young, intense and an idealistic neurosurgeon. I was interested in science and the whole idea just grew on me.”
Mark Lurie, MD Cardiologist, Medical Director Lundquist Lurie Cardiovascular Institute 16
ONCENTER — SUMMER 2022
