​I Chose to Become a Doctor Because...

For many physicians, taking care of others is their life’s work and the ultimate calling. They spend countless hours in clinic or in surgery, caring for patients. It is typically a highly demanding job that often requires many hours away from their families.

In honor of Doctors’ Day on March 30, we asked our doctors why they chose the medical field:

"I chose to become an orthopedic surgeon to help people with musculoskeletal problems improve function, reduce pain, and hopefully become a better version of themselves.”
David T. Anderson, MD

"I chose to become a doctor because I knew it would be a challenging and fulfilling profession that would allow me to meaningfully interact with people to improve their lives and function."
Michael Bates, MD

"I chose to become a doctor because this profession allows me to combine my passions for making lives better and educating patients, families, and other physicians with lifelong learning and continuous drive to improve my knowledge and technical skills."
Virginia F. Casey, MD

"I chose to become a doctor because it represents a great way to impact other people’s lives in a positive manner."
Todd M. Chapman, Jr. M.D.

"I chose to become a doctor to help people get their life back, living more abundantly." 
David Ciaccia, DO

"I chose to become a doctor because giving someone their mobility back provides so much in terms ofself-confidencee, independence and their overall outlook on life."
Brian M. Curtin, MD

"I chose to become a doctor because it allowed me to pursue my life goals as a scientist, educator and healer."
Jeffrey M. Daily, MD

"I chose to become a doctor because my dad was a family doctor in the coal mine communities of West Virginia. When I was a kid I used to go with him in his Willys Jeep up into the back woods and "hollars" to make house calls. I thought that was so cool and the patients were so thankful I decided then that is what I wanted to do. I have never for even one day regretted that
decision."
David N. DuPuy, MD

"I wanted to become a doctor because I wanted to help patients now with nonoperative and operative care when needed; and help patients in the future with the research, development and advancement of our field. I feel like its a calling and I'm honored to take care of people. We see everything from small problems to devastating, life-altering conditions/injuries, and it is a privilege to be able to help my patients." 
Kent Ellington, MD

"I chose to become a doctor because orthopedics seemed to be the perfect combination of science, working with my hands, and interacting with and helping people. A book nerd with power tools! Yep, that’s me."
Robert A. Erdin, III, MD

"I chose to become a doctor because I wanted to help people with a specific ailment and get them back to an active lifestyle." 
Keith A. Fehring, MD

"I chose to become a doctor because my father died when I was eight months old, and my grandmother who raised me told me that when I grew up that was what I was going to be. Meanwhile, playing football at Wake Forest I incurred multiple injuries requiring four orthopedic surgeries. I became very close to the athletic trainer and team doctor who encouraged me to become an orthopedic surgeon. This was one of the best decisions of my life. It has given me the opportunity to help people in the same way that I was helped during my athletic career."
Thomas K. Fehring, MD

"I chose to become a doctor because I wanted a challenging job that made a difference." 
Adam Fosnaugh, MD

"I chose to become a doctor because I learned from my father that doctors can have a direct and positive impact on people's lives." 
Robert Andrew (Drew) Henderson, MD, MSc

"I chose to become a doctor because being able to help people improve their function and quality of life is rewarding."
Todd A. Irwin, MD

"I chose to become a doctor because I wanted to help people make their lives better." 
Eric B. Laxer, MD

"As my father is an orthopedic surgeon, I realized first hand that through orthopedic surgery I could make a mark on my community and have an immediate positive impact in relieving pain and improving the function of patients of all ages."
Ranjan S. Maitra, MD

"My father was a pharmacy back before there were the chain stores. Everyone called him "Doc". I spent all my free time working at his pharmacy while I was growing up. I saw the care and compassion he had for his clients. Many a late night I would go in with him after the store had closed to fill a prescription for someone in need. He would do anything in his power to help those in need. I knew then that I wanted to do the same and felt becoming a doctor would be the best way. I was right!"
Roy A. Majors, MD

"I chose to become a doctor to improve people's quality of life."
J. Ryan Martin, MD

"I chose to become a doctor because I wanted to use the gifts given to me in order to make life better for others."
John L. Masonis, MD

"I chose to become a doctor because my father inspired me to do so."
Robert B. McBride, Jr., MD

"I chose to become a doctor because I wanted to help people." 
R. Alden Milam, MD

"I chose to become a doctor because it allows me to make a difference."
Robert Morgan, MD

"Being a physician is one of the few careers that allow you to truly engage your mind, body and spirit. It starts with having a genuine desire to care and serve others for their health, function and well-being. It is manifested with having a pursuit for science and knowledge combined with technical expertise to perform interventional or surgical procedures to help patients." 
Kinjal Parikh, DO

"I chose to become a doctor because I wanted to help people."
Dana P. Piasecki, MD

"I chose to become a doctor because I wanted to make lives better."
Paul F. Rush, MD

"I chose to become a doctor because I enjoy taking care of and serving others." 
Scott Shawen, MD

"I chose to become a doctor because I wanted to help people feel better and stay active."
Charles “Van” Sikes, MD

"I chose to become a doctor to help people return to an active lifestyle and things they love to do." 
Jason Silva, MD

"I chose to become a doctor because I wanted to help people."
Leo R. Spector, MD

"I chose to become a doctor because I realized I could affect people’s lives in a positive way." 
Julie C. Woodside, MD

"I chose to become a doctor because I wanted to make a positive impact on as many people’s lives as possible."
Jonathan S. Yoder, MD

What's Next?

- Join our team and our effort to make lives better.

- Now that you've gotten to know our physicians, find one near you.

- Our providers are passionate about education. Visit our Orthopedic Library to learn more about common orthopedic conditions.

This article was originally published on March 20, 2018, and updated on March 19, 2019.