Frank J. Veith

Why is this so important? A high energy level allows one to outwork the competition by using his or her other assets to a greater degree and with more vibrancy than others. Let’s look at the example of a superstar in vascular surgery, the late Michael DeBakey. Dr. DeBakey, who for many years was probably the best known surgeon in the world, was reputed to work more than 14 hours a day and required little sleep. He was an innovative and busy surgeon. He published extensively and spoke widely around the world. He was a most effective leader who created a uniquely famous and efficient surgical service, which trained many of the leading vascular and cardiac surgeons around the world. On top of all these achievements, Dr. DeBakey managed to be a leader in his University, in governmental committees and in his specialty organizations like the Society for Vascular Surgery. He also served as a medical and surgical advisor to multiple US Presidents and other world leaders. To fill all these roles effectively, to perform his highly complex and demanding job, to deal with the stresses involved in all these many events and arenas, the energy level required to stay focused and function effectively had to be enormous – and it was.