I grew up in central Ohio where my father was the head librarian at a small liberal arts college. I learned to love books early. From the real world of biographies on such individuals as Albert Schweitzer and Gandhi, to the fictional worlds of David Copperfield, Jean Valjean, and the Count of Monte Cristo, to the imaginary world of Madeline L'Engle. One thing stood out for me; in ways both big and small, people can help bring relief into the lives of others. I wanted to be like my heros and heroines. Between my desire to help others and the guidance of a teacher and mentor, I found myself entering the field of medicine.