What K-12 teacher has impacted you to this day?

Mike Fingerhood, MD, Johns Hopkins

I always look back to a high school English teacher, Martin Kopelowitz, who taught me how to critically think and write. He was also the advisor to our school newspaper for which I was an editor in 12^th grade and he mentored me in thinking about the world in general.

Aidan Crowley, Medical Student, University of Notre Dame

My high school chemistry teacher, Mr. Yoon, impacts me to this day. Besides imparting chemistry knowledge, he ended every class with his “Top 10 Life Tips” for us, from avoiding soda to staying active to remaining resilient and never quitting. His life tips still ring true with me!

Panagis Galiatsatos, MD, Johns Hopkins

My 4th grade teacher Mrs. Trueheart. She often drove me and my sisters to school since my parents worked long hours. Now, decades later, I’m carving out time for non-traditional medical interventions to expand what it means to be a doctor!

Jason Brotherton, MD, Kijabe Hospital, Kijabe, Kenya

Michelle Gyenes, Medical Student, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health

Mr. Hipperson: grade 7 music teacher. He was so passionate and patient and made us feel like we could all succeed (quite a feat while listening to 30-odd 13-year-olds play instruments). We’re still in touch!

David Feller-Kopman, MD, Johns Hopkins

Mr. McGrath, 12th grade elective in non-verbal communication. He taught me the importance of body language and paying attention to small details.

Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD, Mass General

Mr. Raynor, my middle school social studies teacher. Kind, challenging, and believed in me. When asked to think of an important mentor in my life, I always think of him.

Carl Streed, MD, Boston Medical Center

Mrs. Womack, AP English, @ZionBenton. A lifelong friend and mentor to this day. Allowed me to find my voice and start building confidence in my identity and world view.

Bec Szabo, MD, Melbourne, Australia

Year 9 chemistry teacher Mr B. He visited me at my law firm work experience placement, I’d been put in the mail room all week. He asked, “why are you here instead of doing something in science or medicine?” Also, Mrs. F, my favourite teacher (biology), wonderful human, and mum to @DrAliFung.

Colleen Christmas, MD, Johns Hopkins

I had a high school math teacher, Mr. Tokarz, who I still think about from time to time. I was a very shy kid and for some reason, was mortified by compliments. I was excellent in math, and he had this amazing ability to praise me without embarrassing me because he would pair praise with a new, harder challenge. I learned it was OK to be good and to want to be better. I try to combine praise with a challenge for my students!

Margot Kelly-Hendrick, Johns Hopkins

My 6th grade language arts teacher Ms. S would shook EVERY student’s hand as they entered the classroom EVERY day! It allowed her to check in and we could tell her if something serious was up and she’d give us space in class. Her treating us with that respect  has stayed with me.