When I interviewed for medical school at Cornell—where I eventually matriculated—I sat down with Dr. Lloyd Gayle, a well-known plastic surgeon. At the time, I knew I wanted to do some type of surgery, though I hadn’t settled on a specialty.
Dr. Gayle noted that, as an ex-football player, I’d probably be a good fit for orthopedics.
The Subtle Influence of Experience
I remember feeling humbled that he saw me as anything more than just a guy in a cheap suit. But looking back, I guess he was right. It seems we’re often drawn to the fields that impact us the most.
While I was fortunate to avoid major injuries during my football days, I still wonder if one particular hit might have subconsciously nudged me toward a career in surgery.
The Hit That Lingers
I remember it clearly. I was a college freshman, holding a dummy bag during special teams drills, when I took a hit that still reverberates today. It wasn’t the kind of injury that took me out of play, but in hindsight, I probably damaged my labrum on that day.
Not exactly a storybook moment. It would have been cooler to say I got hurt leading the team to victory in a big game. Instead, it happened while playing the role of a freshman blocking dummy. Oh well. That’s life.
The Pain That Stays
I finished my football career without needing surgery, but even now, my shoulder flares up often enough to remind me what “night pain” really feels like.
Why I Support the ASES Foundation
That lingering ache is one of the reasons I care so deeply about the ASES Foundation (ASESF). The ASESF funds research and education by supporting the best and brightest working to help people like me—those who’ve experienced shoulder pain firsthand.
As a shoulder and elbow surgeon, I’ve seen how the work supported by the ASESF impacts millions of patients living with shoulder or elbow pain every day. Maybe you’re one of them.
Join Us in Building the Foundation
Come be a part of something meaningful on May 17, 2024, at the Darwin Martin House. Help us raise funds and awareness as we “Build the Foundation of Shoulder and Elbow Research and Education.”
It’s going to be a special event—great food, great people, a live auction, and a stunning venue.