Inspiration to become a doctor

My name is Stephen Stowers and I am a Cardiologist from the United States who sold his practice and moved to New Zealand with my wife Bonny for a new adventure. 

So my story today is about what inspired me to become a doctor. As a child my grandfather told me stories about my great grandfather, Doctor John Paul Jones (yes, he was related to the american Naval hero John Paul Jones). My great grandfather was a physician back when Oklahoma was still an Indian territory. “When my great grandfather died, the community shut down to attend his funeral. My grandfather said it was because they all felt guilty, they all still owed him money.When patients weren’t able to pay he would take whatever they could give,eggs,chickens or whatever they had of value.He was a true humanitarian and my example – I wanted to be that kind of doctor,” 

While in high school, I was inspired by my neighbor Dr Topley. He and I would have long discussions over dinner.“He told me that if I wanted to make a difference in life I should  become a doctor,”  When my grandfather had a heart attack I watched Dr Topley care for my  grandfather and was impressed. “He was like a guardian angel with his calm words and soothing bedside manner he convinced me that everything would be all right. I knew then that is what I wanted to be.” 

Dr Topley encouraged me through my college years at the University of Richmond. When I applied for medical school I was put on the waiting list. I was accepted to dental school and considered going. “Dr Topley gave me great advise, he said  ‘Steve, if you want to be a dentist,  go to dental school; but if you want to be a doctor, go to medical school.’” So I successfully persevered and attended medical school at the University of Virginia.
Throughout my career, I have remained loyal to his early-learned philosophy that a close relationship with patients is key.“My practice has been a great experience and the real reward of being in medicine is helping people and developing close personal relationships with my patients so that they feel like family,” 

I have enjoyed my cardiology practice in New Zealand and I am still working on developing close personal relationship with my patients here.