A career as astronaut was a perfect match for someone with my multidisciplinary interests. It was a privilege to work aboard the shuttle and space station with international crewmates. These talented colleagues inspired me to perform at my highest level. And it was personally transformative to view our planet from orbit – mesmerizingly beautiful!
I had opportunities outside of the classroom to hone traits like self-management, teamwork and critical thinking. These skills served me well during arduous days in space.”
From adolescence, my life goals had been audacious. I chose a university that matched those ambitions and that excelled in teaching, clinical training and research. While I am no Osler, Penfield or Milner, I knew that a medical school education from McGill University would be world-class.
Medical school was challenging – it agreeably took me to the limits of my abilities. I fortunately had a circle of classmates who helped me not only survive the training, but thrive. We worked hard, but also played hard. And living in la belle ville was an enlightening cultural experience for a western Canadian like me.
A university education is not solely about gaining knowledge. It is also about acquiring personal skills. I had opportunities outside of the classroom to hone traits like self-management, teamwork and critical thinking. These skills served me well during arduous days in space.
Oh, by the way, I met my wife Brenda while doing a clinical clerkship at the Montreal General Hospital. We eventually married at the McGill University chapel and have now been together for 36 years.