I recall arriving in Montreal in the fall of 1959 and being struck by the vivid reds, oranges and yellows of the trees lining the St. Lawrence. As an Iranian, schooled in England, this trip across the Atlantic was dramatic and I’ll never forget my first impressions of Montreal.
When I began studying at McGill, I had no idea that I would end up in neuroscience. My ambition had been medicine and I applied to McGill because of its international reputation as an exceptional medical school. The quality of the teaching at McGill will always stand out for me – lectures by leaders in their field like Donald Hebb, who was so inspirational I even considered going into psychology for a short time. But it was Professor Quastel who first opened my mind to the field of neuroscience.
Back in 1960 we really didn’t know much about brain chemistry. I remember his lecture on a certain TB medicine – Iproniazid – that was baffling doctors in the U.S. due to its side effects. Patients were reporting euphoria and nobody understood why. This drug ended up becoming the first antidepressant in the world. On a very personal level, it was exceptionally meaningful for me. I had witnessed depression in my family and understood that this disease could have devastating effects both on sufferers and on those around them. My mind was made up – I was going into neuroscience.
When I approached Dr. Quastel seeking advice on how to proceed, he encouraged me to meet with Ted Sourkes. And this meeting changed the course of my life. I worked with Ted for four years – completing my MSc and my PhD. He was a humble man who revolutionized Parkinson’s treatment and was worthy of a Nobel Prize.
Looking back on my career, I’ve achieved a lot, and have been lucky to work with the mentors I have. I urge the next generation of McGill scientists to take risks. There are no rules to find success and it takes a certain degree of luck. But if you have goals, and have the tenacity and the will to succeed, then you’ll find great joy in your work.