Biology and Coming Full Circle

He was about 81 or 82, I don’t remember, and was tall, thin and a distinguished-looking man.  He was sent to my office by his primary for a consultation regarding his medical condition. This of course, will not be discussed here. After I analyzed his CT scans and showed them to him and his wife, and gave him a thorough exam, subsequently explaining my plan of treatment, I decided it was time to ask him a question.  This question I often ask my patients both to shed light on their medical condition, but also to establish a degree of rapport.  In his case though, my curiosity forced the words into my mouth as if I had no control of it.

I am glad I asked him this question, because well, I think because the answer not only surprised us both, but also, I believe, inspired us both, despite the age difference.

As you may have guessed, I asked him what was his occupation, before he retired.  He said that he was a Biology professor, teaching at a famous U.S. Military Academy which for the sake of privacy, shall go nameless.  I asked him what years he was a professor and he told me about his long tenure teaching and how he enjoyed it very much.  It so happens that I was a cadet, taking classes at this Military Academy, and I told him this, and he was surprised.  I told him I was a student during the years he was teaching and that he was most likely my biology professor from about 46 years ago!

He said, “Really? That is amazing.  And here we are, all those years later, and I came to you now to seek medical help, and you are using your skills to help an old man who taught you biology!”

I said, “Were there any other biology professors during those years?”

“No.  Just me.”

I then told him something that I think filled his heart with pride after he heard it, and the words came easily for me, because they were absolutely true, and I remember my thoughts years ago.  I told him, “Sir, I loved your class, and the science of biology so much, and how it seemed to fascinate me, that as I needed to make decisions about my career, I suddenly realized that your class was instrumental in inspiring me to become a physician.  It was a tough decision, because it meant I would have to leave this Military Academy after two years, because they would not allow me to go to medical school after graduation.”

“Yes Carson, I can tell it was difficult for you, but you made the correct decision, that is obvious.”

“I want to thank you sir, for helping me to realize what my correct pathway should be in life, and my career, and it as in large part because of the way you taught that biology class, 46 years ago.”

His smile beamed wide, and his face turned red, and he said, “I am proud to have been a part of your life, Carson, and now, after all these years, I see the fruits of my teaching.”

You see, we came full circle in this life, now in the same room, professor and student, now in different roles, many years later.  What I realized is that if I had not asked him this simple question, we would’ve never realized the impact he had on my life. And what’s more, it teaches us to be aware, and perhaps careful as we go through life, and realize that we are all in a position somehow, to influence others in a positive way, even though we may never see it. Although in this case. the fortuitous circumstance made it obvious.

I think the meeting was meant to be and we will meet again, in follow up.

© 2024 SRCarson Publications.