My father, a longtime surgeon in Birmingham, inspired me to enter the field of medicine. A rotation in surgery captured my interest, and then I found my passion for urology, specializing in stone disease and general urology. Urology demands that physicians consistently update their practice based on new medical technologies. I view this as a lifelong commitment to learning. Developments that were practically nonexistent 25 years ago—including endoscopic and laser surgery as well as minimally invasive surgery—continue to excite me. Patients benefit from pharmacologic agents and cancer treatments that were not available even a few years ago. The human condition, however, plays a tremendous role my work. I value a one-on-one relationship with every patient. Even with 21st-century advances, medicine is still a hands-on art. When working with patients, I also rely on commonsense and the scientific method first learned as a chemistry student: the application of logic, a hypothesis to prove, and a conclusion. Patient education—clearly explaining a patient’s condition and treatment options—is an important part of my practice. A patient engaged in partnership with his or her doctor can lead to a positive attitude and outcome. I encourage family involvement, providing key information when appropriate, especially to spouses and caregivers of older patients. Medicine is about healing, with people at its heart. Every day, I look forward to a new set of challenges, the reward of collaborating with my colleagues and staff, and the joy of helping people.