Corny as it might sound, I acquired hooked on the microscopic world in 1955 at age 9 after I was given a Gilbert chemistry set with a microscope. It was the best present I’d ever obtain.
Quick-forward to 1972, the primary human to affect my ID path was Elizabeth Harris, PhD, founding head of microbiology at Texas Faculty of Osteopathic Medication. Whereas nurturing my curiosity in ID, she helped information my manner into and thru medical faculty and adopted my profession till she died in 2020.
With a army obligation, I spent the summers of 1975 and 1976 and a 3-year residency at Fitzsimons Military Medical Heart in Denver. Throughout this time, the second particular person to affect my profession was the director of the hospital and pediatric ID companies, LTC Warren A. Todd, MD — to today, probably the most glorious trainer and well-rounded doctor I’ve ever identified. An completed ID guide, he was domestically well-known for his breadth of information and educating abilities. I attempted to sample my profession after his, however even along with his army and tutorial steering, I may by no means match his knowledge and wit. He continued being my “sounding board” by the remainder of my profession and past. Todd retired with the rank of brigadier basic and died in 2021.
James H. Brien, DO
Editorial Board Member
Healio | Infectious Illness Information and Healio Pediatrics
[Editor’s note: Brien is a retired pediatric infectious diseases physician at McLane Children’s Hospital in Temple, Texas. For nearly 40 years, he has authored Healio’s “What’s Your Diagnosis?” column.]
