Temple University School of Medicine - Skull Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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3. Person who inspired you over the course of your career? While there have been many people who inspired me directly and indirectly, my parents, Dave and Patti, are the voice in my head, the caring in my heart, the passion in my soul, and the service in my spirit. They have always inspired me to the best version of myself and challenged me to shoot for the moon. Their coaching, understanding, and support are continuously reflected in how I carry myself with patients, students, colleagues, and communities. Standing behind me at every step of my career, I first learned from them the importance of being there for patients and for communities. A huge part of who I am today is a direct reflection of how inspirational they have been to me. 4. What advice do you want to offer our graduating class? I frequently share with applicants interviewing for a spot at LKSOM that what I believe truly makes Temple special is that we not only train good clinicians but we, perhaps more importantly, train great citizens. Never forget that idealist, ready to change the world, who wrote your medical school personal statement. Those principles brought you to medicine and brought you to Temple. Your experience over the past 4 years here has undoubtedly been touched by many exceptional teachers, the community members of North Philadelphia, who hopefully have left an indelible mark on your heart. Never forget them. Never stop fighting for them. With a changing healthcare landscape, we face many challenges as physicians but you are powerful beyond measure to change the world, even if just for one individual. Inspire. Create. Lead.

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This yearbook is dedicated to David O’Gurek, MD 1. Tell us about yourself. I grew up in Summit Hill, a small town in the anthracite coal region of northeastern Pennsylvania. After getting a taste of Philadelphia during my four years at St. Joseph’s University, I completed medical school and residency in southcentral Pennsylvania at the Penn State College of Medicine and the Lancaster General Family Medicine Residency Program. My passion for education and urban community health brought me to Temple in 2013, having the honor of serving the North Philadelphia community and the inspiring students of LKSOM. I currently live in South Philly, interestingly enough, just 2 blocks from where my maternal ancestors lived when they arrived in Philadelphia from Italy. A die-hard Philadelphia sports fan, I can often be found roaming about the city; cheering on the Phillies, Eagles, Sixers, and Flyers; and in South Philly Italian bakeries and restaurants. 2. What inspired you to go into medicine? Growing up in a close-knit, small town, I have been largely influenced by my own family’s personal history that always shared with the next generation the values of service, advocacy, and community. My parents still remember me telling them I was quitting school in 3rd grade to get a paper route and laugh that I went on to complete so much schooling after that. My fascination with science, humanities, and policy shepherded an interest in medicine through seeing the impact that community physicians had in their communities. Many small, impactful encounters developing relationships with people and seeing how physicians can build their own sense of community with their patients fostered a profession where I can carry out my family’s legacy. Temple University 5

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5. What are some important lessons youVe learned during your career in medicine? While seasons come and go, first line therapies, treatment guidelines, and the science of medicine changes with advancing knowledge, the art of practice remains constant. I am continually reminded of Francis Peabody’s notion that the secret of the care of the patient is in caring for the patient. Patients will be your greatest teachers and many of these patients will enter your lives, stamp your hearts, and you will, in a way completely appropriate and proper, love them. Health is something very personal to individuals and therefore advancing health as opposed to health care must involve relationships and personal connections. Allow yourself to connect and do not fight it. This is what it means to be a physician. 6. What are some of your hobbies? Aside from waiting for additional Philadelphia sports championships and celebratory parades, I have always been interested in politics and history. I’m a far cry from a foodie but enjoy trying new restaurants, particularly hole-in-the-wall places with the best food. Love drawing, live music, and my family will tell you watching the same movies over and over again. 7. What is a challenge you've encountered so far in your career? While there are many to mention, I’ve had several transition points in my career to date that either led to changes in practice or changes in location. These decisions did not come without significant discernment and consternation. Having a path or a course for yourself and your career is a positive thing but regardless of how planned it might be, when faced with a difficult decision, the best we can do is make the decision as wisely as possible and then forget about it. Absolute certainty never arrives. Taking risks is important and can lead you in a new direction and on a new path that will lead you on journey that you never could have imagined. 8. Favorites: movie, food, TV show, song? Movie - Brian’s Song Food - Chicken Parmesan TV Show - How I Met Your Mother Song - Imagine by John Lennon Temple University 7