During a family chat years ago, we were discussing medicine as a career at a time when my daughter had begun to think about college and careers. I engaged in a lengthy dissertation extolling the virtues of the medical profession and the wonderful experiences I have had being a doctor. My "lecturing" was interrupted by my son's interjection: "Dad, I can't believe what you are doing to your own daughter." I inquired: "What do you mean?" He continued by stating he felt I had led a very difficult life - to the point of torturing myself and sacrificing many of life's niceties. He wondered how I could encourage my children to follow the same professional path. I was surprised by his observation, and it led me to reflect on the fact that I had not been able to communicate the pleasures and the wonderful experiences I had had in my professional life.

As I interact with students who are considering a career in medicine, I cannot help but remind myself of the importance of articulating the joy of being a physician, the pleasure of being able to interact with so many people who enlarge my life and the true feeling that we make a difference in others' lives. Expressing this joy is an important responsibility in educating and encouraging young men and women to enter the medical profession so that they can share the same exciting and fulfilling experiences. We need committed, idealistic young physicians now more than ever. They are the future for improving people's lives, including their own.

P.S. My daughter did become a physician and is now a parent.