I am the youngest of four siblings, raised by my school teacher mother and my academic theologian father. My dad was also the pastor of our church in Los Angeles, and I think I internalized the lessons of faith and the focus on excellence, reverence and respect for others that my parents stressed. My father counseled others throughout his life. As a child, I recall passing by the living room and overhearing my father's conferences with church members. He never interrupted their accounts of joy, grief and struggle. I realized that he often helped others by giving them the gift of unhurried listening. Through witnessing those interactions as a child, I believe that the seed of helping others was sown. In college, I ran track and studied biology. Although I love surf fishing and the ocean, I ultimately chose medicine over marine biology. I am grateful to everyone who has inspired and assisted me along the way, including church members, classmates, teachers, and of course, my parents, siblings, fantastic wife and our two wonderful children. They have all given my life purpose and meaning.