Which historical figure (real or fictional) inspires you and why?

Scott Wright, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

William Osler.  He lived Steven Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Truly an inspirational role model.

Rachel Salas, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

John R. Calverley.

He inspired me to choose Neurology as my specialty.

He always had a crisp, white coat, and his black neuro bag, and I can still remember him leading professor rounds and connecting with patients and students​.

He was an excellent physician and demonstrated great neurological technique. While I was a resident, he became my most influential mentor.

To this day, he remains an exemplar for me.

Michael Crocetti, MD, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians

Helen Taussig.

Going through medical school I became interested in pediatric cardiology and I read so much about Dr. Taussig. She is the Godmother of pediatric cardiology.

Dr. Taussig pioneered heart auscultation techniques in children and worked with Dr. Blaylock to develop the first curative surgery for Blue Babies. I have always strived to practice pediatrics with as much humanism and clinical acumen as she did almost 70 years ago.

Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Laskarina Bouboulina​.

She was a prominent figure in the battle of the independence of Greece in the early 19th century. She blurred gender lines, as she was a Greek naval commander and led many victories towards Greece’s independence.

She was an unexpected hero for a culture, and put herself in a position to fight for a greater cause. This inspiration is one that transcends time and disciplines, and is a constant motivation for me.

Cynthia Jin, MD, Mayo Clinic

Donald Henderson for the Herculean triumph of eradicating smallpox.

What extraordinary leadership persuaded every last human culture, from rich democracies to war-torn villages?

How can we unite so effectively again?

Me and Dr. Henderson!

Colleen Christmas, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

I loved Dr. Martha Jones, from the long running sci-fi series Doctor Who. She was very smart, and quick witted. I loved how she was able to stand up for herself, and challenged stereotypes. I’ve always wanted to be that kind of doctor!