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 Samir A. Shah, MD, FACG
on his father Ashok N. Shah, MD, MACG
Reflecting back on my choice to pursue a career in medicine, it is clear that my father subconsciously influenced my decision making in a positive way towards medicine in general, and gastroenterology in particular. I distinctly remember in 6th grade I became aware of my father’s profession and reputation in having to give a presentation on “What My Father Does.” My teacher explained to the class that “a consultant is asked to solve a problem that the patient’s regular doctor needs help with and/or has special training to perform a certain procedure the patient requires.” Over the next few years, I began to realize my dad was admired and deeply respected for his professional skills and kindness by his colleagues, people in the community and his patients. I developed a silent pride for his reputation and integrity – something I hoped to be able to duplicate in whatever profession I chose.
In medical school, I made a conscious effort to avoid gastroenterology because I wanted my own identity and I dreaded being compared to my father (and his reputation). Despite my best intentions, I was fascinated with GI through medical school and residency. I can blame my father in part since as a teenager he wouldn’t let me work as a lifeguard, "In medical school, I made a conscious effort to avoid gastroenterology because I wanted my own identity and I dreaded being compared to my father (and his reputation). Despite my best intentions, I was fascinated with GI through medical school and residency." |
but instead had me volunteer in the hospital and get involved with GI research in Dr. William Chey’s lab (whose son was also in the lab and also ended up in GI—in fact we worked together last year at the Chicago Regional ACG course!) As a GI fellow and a young GI attending, I have to admit it was very comforting having someone to run by tough cases anytime day or night or discuss career choices within GI.
As I got more involved with the ACG and had the opportunity to give lectures and help arrange some conferences, I was amazed by the number of my father’s former/current fellows who would come up to me (apparently, I look a lot like my dad) and say, “You don’t know me but I know you. Your father trained me and was my favorite teacher. I learned not only GI, but also spirituality/philosophy. Please say hello and send my regards when you speak to him.”
The 2007 ACG annual meeting in Philadelphia was a seminal moment in my father’s career and a unique sense of pride in a father’s accomplishments for me: He was given the Master Award (MACG) in the same city where he and my mother came to America 40 years ago.
I am certain many sons share the same sentiments I have towards their own fathers. Dan Fogelberg said it best in his song, “The Leader of the Band” from which I quote:
His gentle means of sculpting souls
Took me years to understand
I thank you for the music
And your stories of the road
I thank you for the freedom
When it came my time to go --
I thank you for the kindness
And the times when you got tough
And, papa, I don’t think I
Said I love you near enough --
The leader of the band is tired
And his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through
My instrument
And his song is in my soul --
My life has been a poor attempt
To imitate the man
I’m just a living legacy
To the leader of the band.
Happy Father’s Day, Dad. I hope my sons will someday be as proud of me as I am of you!
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