Servant Leadership at Work with Dr. Myron Rolle, Neurosurgeon

For this next Q&A in the "Servant Leadership at Work," I connect with Dr. Myron Rolle, Neurosurgeon at Harvard/Massachusetts General Hospital about his current work as a neurosurgeon in the U.S. and globally, and how he’s lending his expertise to serve others.

What does Servant Leadership mean to you??

Servant leadership means that you place others in front of you, and you receive the same level of excitement, joy, and fulfillment, watching their success, as if you were watching your own.

You mentioned in a?recent New York Times article?that you believe your purpose is to be a "beacon of hope, a light, a mentor and an advocate."?How does this purpose apply in your work?as a neurosurgical resident and as a mentor to the next generation of neurosurgeons??

I have been faced with overt and covert challenges to my progress as a neurosurgeon here in Boston. Some of these challenges have been downright mean, nasty, with high potential to stymie growth. There have been times where I’ve considered walking away, because the hurdles that I had to jump through based on my presentation were nothing like the hurdles my colleagues endured. But something kept me steadfast and focused. Something kept me driven towards the end goal. And that was the idea that God placed me here to succeed for the patients that need our help, but also for young men or women (who look like me) to follow in this path and go even higher. My parents told me a long time ago that my life is not my own. I must live for a bigger purpose. And even though the burden is heavy, it is worth it in the end when you know that you have helped create a better path for tomorrow.

My mentorship group is called the Honor Rolle, and it began organically. I've had various people find ways to reach me -- through my family, through email and one young man even stopped me at the airport -- seeking my leadership. In turn, I've said, "I want to serve you. I want to do more for you. Let's create and organize a brotherhood of young black men interested in medicine.”

They’re pre-med and medical students. Some are residents. Not all want to be neurosurgeons. We have cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists, and some who are in internal medicine or orthopedic medicine. We meet once or twice a month, and talk even more so than that. We share stories and have guest speakers. A few have come up to Harvard and shadow me. And this summer, we are having a retreat, getting together, breaking bread and fellowship. It's one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences that I get to do every month.

You indicate that this purpose motivates you to "repay that debt with being the best we can be in everything that we do. I take that very, very seriously."?Long term, how will you continue to fulfill this purpose and repay that debt??

I plan to repay this debt by maximizing my own potential and remaining alert to the next generation of future leaders. The 2% Way that I write about in my book speaks to taking small steps forward every day and moving towards a better version of yourself consistently.

There is another point in the NYT article that stood out for me. You say that everyone is needed, and each person should master and love their work, and impact others with it. Some may claim well, you've already reached the top in so many ways - Rhodes Scholar, NFL player and neurosurgeon -- so it's easier for you to say.?What would be your advice to those who are still finding their path and are looking for ways to serve others??

The 2% Way is an excellent way to block out the background noise and remain focused on your lane. My story is my story. Your story, your blessings, your purpose, and your value to the community is unique and it is necessary. The sooner you realize this very important fact, the sooner you will be able to find joy in service to those who need it the most.?

How does Servant Leadership manifest itself in your life outside of work??

My life as a father, a husband, a son, and a brother is underscored by servant leadership. I am fully aware of the success that God has brought me. But I’m even more aware that none of it would be possible without the love, guidance, and support from my family.

I started the Caribbean Neurosurgery Foundation because my aunt passed away from a traumatic brain injury in the Bahamas. She waited seven hours to be seen by a doctor, a nurse, and had no imaging modality done. She died because there was no equitable, timely access to neurosurgical care in the Bahamas.

However, the Bahamas is not unique in that situation. It happens all over the Caribbean, all over Sub-Saharan Africa, and in low-to middle-income countries around the world. If you come from an area where the economic burden is heavy, it's very difficult to access good, quality care in a timely fashion, and when you get that access, are the resources available to have a successful outcome?

My foundation is looking to bridge that gap and build neurosurgical capacities in low- to middle-income countries.

I went to Lusaka, Zambia to learn how to take care of and manage patients in low-resource settings and bring it back to the Caribbean, and implement it there. For example, I'm working with governments to put laws in place to protect people from devastating neurological disease; working hand-in-hand with medical professionals to teach techniques around neurotrauma, acute care or spine injury; and raising public safety awareness around wearing helmets and seatbelts. I also speak with major donors to help develop the infrastructure, building hospitals and new operating theaters. The operating theaters not only increase surgical capacities, but also provide additional spaces to take care of a potential pandemic or more patients, converting them to ICUs.

My interest, my service and my leadership in the Caribbean started with my aunt. Now I want to serve the region by giving back and doing the most I can in a field that matters a lot to me and to others.