Why doesn’t everyone want to be a heart transplant surgeon?

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Hello,

Not sure where this email will end up, but I just have to say that I just got your book for Christmas.  I take my MCAT in 14 days from yesterday, and while part of me wants to drop dead and be put out of my misery (painlessly, please), the other part of me is so beyond determined to become one hell of a CT surgeon.  It’s been my dream job ever since I began having dreams.

I’m only 100 pages into your book – not sure how I’ve made the time for those 100 pages amidst memorizing the henderson hasselbalch equation and galvanic batteries (damn batteries) – but the way you talk about surgery and the heart and being a woman-boss is literally almost word for word how I’ve talked about those same aforementioned things.  In a nutshell: WHY DOESN’T EVERYONE WANT TO BE A HEART TRANSPLANT SURGEON? I burst at the seems every time I say that.  I fall asleep every night watching surgeries on YouTube, anxiously awaiting the next time I talk my way into a surgery observation.  I can’t decide if it’s sick and twisted, or preeminent learning.  Probably both.  I find most med students are a little of both. Sigh.

One day, when I am a lowly CT resident, I will track you down at a surgery convention, and have you sign my book.  Or show up at your office and geek out over CT history.  I’ll be *that* person.  Just give me a couple years.  But mark my word, it will happen.

Sincerely,
Natalie

A Beautiful Gift

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Hi Kathy,

It’s a long shot that you’ll read this email – but considering your endurance, commitment and determination at your work – it won’t surprise me if you do.
I just finished your book ‘Heart Matters’, which I was reading as research to write a character for a film (yes it’s a cliché – but what can I say?).
I just wanted you to know that it was a beautifully written, insightful and moving book and on behalf of everyone that lives in the regular world – thank you so much.
What inspiring work you do.
Never stop (except maybe to spend more time with your family).
Sincerely,
Shea

A thank you message by Jeff

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Kathy,
Thank You so much. I just finished reading your memoire last night and I find myself sitting in the moment reflecting on it all.
Thank You for caring,
Thank You for enduring the glass ceiling,
Thank You for knowing what it is you wanted to do with your life,
Thank You for your tenacity,
Thank You for developing into a beautiful women who is guided by your Faith,
Thank You for your encouraging, positive outlook,
I could go on with praise for you as an inspiration for others to aspire to. Your book has caused me to take more time with others and be patient as well. I have spent some time in reflection over my past. This is a good thing. I see where there are areas of my life that I can improve on myself as well as assist or serve others. There is so much we can do for ourselves and others in our daily life,  only if were more cognizant of the bigger picture and the lives we touch.
May you continue to reach your goals. May you succeed with the woman’s health center as well as your continued involvement with research and development with developing procedures and devices towards more successful heart transplant surgery.
I am proud to know you and to know the good you put out into the world, your husband as well.
In Deepest Regards,
Jeff