When you're feeling inadequate

I recently met an incredibly compassionate and humble Dr. who helps bring innovative medical solutions to countries like Uganda. He also finds time to work as a medical doctor at Mass General Hospital and as a professor at Harvard. 

In his office is a framed picture of one of his heroes that explains so much about him. It’s been extremely helpful when I felt low and insecure.

The picture shows Dr. Burkitt with two kids. Dr. Burkitt’s curiosity and passion led him to drive 10,000 miles in Africa, visiting clinics and tracking the prevalence of the most common childhood cancer in the 1950s. 

He discovered that the distribution pattern fits with the migration of insects, meaning that the virus was spread by insects. He even created therapies that would melt the cancer and sometimes even cure the patients. Today, the disease is known as Burkitt’s lymphoma.

Regarding diet, his theory of eating a high-fiber diet has changed the eating habits of millions. 

In the photo, is Dr. Burkitt’s Creed: 

• “In science and in life, attitudes are more important than abilities;
• Character more important than cleverness;
• Motives more important than methods;
• Perseverance more important than power;
• The Heart always takes precedence over the head.”

I hope this gives you as much peace and inspiration as it has for me.

Thanks for caring!

With gratitude,

Anwell Tsai