Edward J. Damrose, MD, FACS
From High School to Med School
Chief of Staff, Stanford Health Care
Professor & Chief, Division of Laryngology
Program Director, Laryngology Fellowship
Director, Stanford Voice & Swallowing Center
Department of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery
Stanford University School of Medicine
How was High School for you?
“I attended high school from 1984 to 1987. I strived to be a well-rounded person and balanced academics with athletics and service, a very traditional path at the time. I played varsity baseball as a pitcher and 1st baseman, served as VP of the student body, and was active in numerous clubs, serving as president of some of [them]. I also served as captain of the Academic League and played in our school band. I graduated as the valedictorian of my class.”
What fueled your passion for medicine?
“I had a strong interest in surgery when I was young, and volunteered for several summers in my local hospital Emergency Room. I still recall the doctors, nurses and patients I met there to this day, and several lessons I learned there are still with me. “
What did your undergraduate experience teach you?
“I was fortunate to attend Yale University on scholarships, student loans, and work-study. Although I was the top of my class in high school, I found myself a small fish in a big pond. It was at Yale that I truly learned how to study – understanding concepts and applying them to solve problems – rather than simply memorizing. I worked harder earning my degree than in anything else I have done later in life (except perhaps as a general surgical intern, and earlier as a busboy at Seaworld in San Diego!).”
What advice do you have for aspiring Doctors?
“If I could give advice to you, it would be to work hard and to invest in your education – I don’t think it matters where you go to college, but what you put into your college education. You only grow as a person by challenging yourself – take the road less traveled, and avoid the easy path. Honor and personal integrity matter more than anything – I think of the Theranos scandal and the recent news today of parents and students cheating to get into college – once lost, not easily recovered.”
Originally Published on March 12, 2019
