5 Key Takeaways

• 1

  Raised amid financial hardship in India, the author's father rode nearly 10 miles by bicycle to medical school and became a physician with his parents' support.

• 2

  The author's father taught his children to be mentally strong, work hard and honestly, and respect everyone.

• 3

  As an international medical graduate pursuing medicine in the United States, the author faced uncertainty and received the 2026 AMA Foundation Outstanding International Medical Graduate Award.

• 4

  The author is a practicing breast and gynecologic pathologist in the United States, while the author's father pursued medical education in India.

• 5

  The author describes both generations' medical journeys as grounded in perseverance, dedication, humility, and respect for others.