My class of 1974 is currently planning our 50th class reunion and this whole experience has prompted me to do some reflection. The first thing that comes to my mind is, “where have those 50 years gone?” It seems like just yesterday that I was embarking on this journey and now I am processing the stark reality of just how quickly time passes. My education began right here in Amesbury, something which provided an excellent foundation for my future pursuits.
As you have heard, I am Dr. S. However, when I was in grade school and later in high school, I was known simply as Steve, Stephen, or The Schizz. The real Dr. S was my father, a friend to all and a beloved family doctor to so many in this community.
When I joined him in practice, people had difficulty telling us apart on the phone because our voices were so similar, so my father dubbed me the young Dr S; a title I still enjoy using on occasion.
My gray hair is a reminder that the young part is no longer needed.
From the very beginning learning becomes part of our lives, and hopefully, embeds itself as a lifelong pursuit. Oftentimes, we follow our mentors, be it a family member or a teacher or that singular person or persons who help influence our lives and perhaps even guide us onto a career path.
Like many young kids I imagined myself playing ML Baseball, or becoming a fireman, or a carpenter, but before long I just wanted to work alongside my father, so I set my sights on becoming a physician. The dedication and hard work were just commitments to that greater goal, something that frankly never even crossed my mind.
I confronted the usual academic obstacles and managed to circumnavigate them with an unwavering resolve. However, those experiences provided valuable insights for a career dedicated to solving problems and helping people.
In fact, life is made up of an infinite number of crossroads with choices. The road we choose is not always easy or obvious, but the destination we set should remain crystal clear. That’s what makes life the journey that it is, our personal adventure.
The practice of medicine has offered me a unique opportunity to serve people, yet it carries a heavy burden of responsibility. However, caring for and aiding people in any capacity ought to be at our very core, regardless of what we do.
Although medicine has been my life, my passions outside of work are my family, my friends, and regular exercise. I once made running the Boston Marathon, a goal which I first did in 1986. Since then I have been fortunate to have participated in many other athletic events, but my own love of exercise has transformed my ability to counsel patients about many facets of life including the merits of regular exercise, nutrition, rest, hydration, even rehabilitation after illness or injury, as well as the psychosocial implications that go along with it.
When I consider the value of this to my practice , I am frequently reminded by its contribution to me, both professionally and personally.
Sharing this with patients, encouraging them to take personal responsibility for their own health and instilling hope have been mainstays of my practice.
Patients have oftentimes asked me what I was training for, and I’d just say, “I’m training for life!”
Regretfully, even with regular exercise, none of us will escape this thing called aging. We simply must adjust our expectations and embrace them.
The frequent participation in such formal events as the marathon is now a rarity. However, when the Marathon bombing occurred, I like everyone else was frightened, angered, but more than that motivated to be a part of the marathon again. I looked at my father and said, “they are going to need more physicians next year because of this and I am going to volunteer.” He looked at me and said, "What a great idea.” I just volunteered for my 11th Marathon and felt a similar sense of accomplishment, just as I had by running it in 1986.
I am reminded that kindness and service to others are their own gifts, values I learned growing up right here in Amesbury.
I’d like to conclude my remarks this evening with a quote from the late, great Maya Angelou…
“People may forget what you said…people may forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
My hope is that I have made people feel better by what I have done for them!
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