Dear Doc,

I am a doctor.

The thought I had when I walk across the stage. The thought I had when I was referred to as Dr. Eichner.

You never quite understand the power until you are in the position of power. As a doctor you are the top 1 percent of the world. You not only make the decisions, you create the process. You can change mankind. Yes you can change mankind. That is, for better or for worse.

The first time I was called Dr. Eichner was a month out of college. A patient asked me "Dr. Eichner, I have been having this sharp pain going down my leg for quite sometime now. What do you think it is?" Not that simple of a question. He was looking at me for answers and guidance. He was going to take whatever information I provided him, don't even research it, trust me I know what I am doing, and hope to fix it. I told him to start with imaging before we look at a treatment. I could have very easily said do this, take this, and you will be cured.

That is where power can either help or hurt. Doctors have an issue saying "I don't know. But I will find out". You don't look dumb, you just don't have all the answers.

As a doctor I research the most up to date information. As a doctor I provide my patients the best care. As I doctor I do not let ego define me. As a doctor I am still a human and care for each patient like it was my own family member. Never lose that. Always push forward to make a change. And remember a simple phrase:

I am a doctor but I don't everything.