Who motivates your work at HMS?
The late and great Paul Farmer. With his vision for praxis and ideals of expert mercy and compassion, Paul not only dreamed of a better world; he showed us how it can be realized, experientially and pragmatically. Now, more than ever, I feel an obligation to serve and to help my fellow human beings flourish.
What’s something you’ve learned about yourself during your time at HMS?
I have learned — and I’m still learning — humility. Also, through the Master of Science in Bioethics program, we are learning how to reflect on our practice, to weigh ethical principles in the face of conflicts, to seek equilibrium between morally competing courses of action, and to provide care while respecting a patient’s autonomy, beliefs, and needs.
What is your motto?
I live by “EY ZHN,” translated from Ancient Greek as “well life,” or the art of living well in pursuit of eudaemonia. Alexander the Great used to say that he owes ΖHN (“life”) to his parents and ΕY ZHN (“living well”) to his teacher Aristotle.