I grew up in a small suburban town in South Jersey the oldest of three and attended the same school from Kindergarten to 8th grade. In 6th grade, my science teacher, asked each of us what we wanted to be when we grew up. When it was my turn to answer that proverbial question I responded with: professional soccer player, fireman, doctor and president of the United States.  Needless to say she was a little taken back...  Fast forward fifteen years.  While living in Washington, DC, by day I was an associate scientist in the Biotech industry, by night I was a hospital patient transporter, and on the weekend I was a Fire Department EMT.  I was living pieces of my dream.  However, I knew that I did not want to spend the rest of my life living halfway. So I quit my job, took what very little savings I had and applied to medical school. From the moment I walked across the stage during my white coat ceremony the AMA and MSS has been an integral part of my medical school experience and greatly influences my training and perspective as a future physician. The journey I’ve taken to reach this point has been nothing short of humbling and every experience I’ve had along the way has served to prepare me both personally and professionally for this unique opportunity to serve on your AMA Board of Trustees.