The best advice that Sanjay Gupta has ever received is to do something everyday that scares you. He knows it doesn’t always work out; “you might get fired from your job and the girl might say no but just give it a go.” He went on to say that we should try to become comfortable with pushing our limits and in forcing ourselves to become familiar with unfamiliar situation. That is the best way to get to know yourself.

Dr. Gupta talked about his mixing medicine and media. He still works as a neurosurgeon each week and still preforms surgery.  His first TV experience was scary, “which meant it was perfect for me.” He admits to not being very good on camera until his wife suggested he talk to the camera like it is a patient with the same words and expressions. Media and medicine are alike in many ways. They both require constant homework, both have the potential to improve and lengthen people’s lives, and both have credibility. He related how, on assignment for CNN in Afghanistan, he was called, in very primitive conditions, to save a life of a Marine whom had just been shot in his head was going to die. Dr. Gupta switched roles and immediately utilized a tent pitching drill and a sterile IV bag to remove the bullet from the soldier’s skull. Six months later, back in the United States, Dr. Gupta tracked down this marine, and they met again– in a poignant moment, while the Marine and his family thanked Dr Gupta for saving his life. When you have to save a life, you save a life.” Dr Gupta said later of his priority at the moment.  He added a fun fact: profession with the highest trust rate is nurses with 89%, doctors 69% and politicians 8%.

Much appreciation to UB for bringing in the good doctor for us to hear and be inspired. He was happy to pose for pictures and was fit and trim with a beaming smile to boot.

Tags : media, medical, neurosugeon, Sanjay Gupta, UB