What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the years since being named 40/40? 

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is the importance of finding ways to express yourself through your work. Medicine often fosters a culture of conformity, requiring individuals to prioritize standard knowledge and skill development over personal interests. While this foundation is essential, I’ve discovered that embracing one’s unique passions and perspectives is crucial for long-term fulfillment and growth. Making this transition can be challenging, but it is essential for developing a meaningful and rewarding career. Striking a balance between meeting professional expectations and cultivating personal interests has been an ongoing journey, and it has greatly enriched my work in medicine.

What are you most professionally proud of in the years since your 40/40 recognition? 

Of all my professional endeavors, teaching has been the most rewarding. Helping residents and fellows develop their skills and launch promising careers is a source of immense pride. Watching their growth and contributions to the field has been inspiring. The Greek philosopher Socrates famously suggested that all knowledge is within us and that learning is simply the act of “remembering” what we already know. While I’m not entirely convinced of this notion, it does reflect the transformative power of teaching to unlock potential and spark innovation. Supporting others as they achieve their goals has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career.

Have you won any awards in the years since, from ASCP or other organizations?

In 2020, I was honored as a “Choosing Wisely Champion” by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). At the time, I served as the medical director of the blood bank at a large academic medical center. This recognition was awarded for a project evaluating the clinical and resource implications of administering one versus two units of platelets for bleeding prophylaxis in adult oncology outpatients.

The Choosing Wisely initiative, part of the American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation, had already recommended single-unit red blood cell transfusions for routine cases with the slogan, “Why choose two when one will do?” However, there was limited data on platelet transfusion dosing for oncology outpatients. Inspired by a 2010 study showing no significant difference in bleeding prophylaxis outcomes among oncology inpatients based on platelet dose, I sought to examine outpatient practices. While the project wasn’t designed to measure bleeding outcomes directly, it revealed that administering a second unit of platelets had no notable effect on the time between outpatient transfusions or the platelet count at the subsequent transfusion. Given the scarcity of platelet resources, these findings underscore the importance of re-evaluating routine practices to optimize care.