When young scholars cross our paths, we have no idea where they may be going. What is known is that our enthusiasm and our attentiveness may steer them to do great things.

I just finished reading the book The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. Randy died of pancreatic cancer 2 years ago at the age of 47. Before he left his young family behind, Randy gave a last lecture at Carnegie Mellon University, where he was a beloved professor of computer science. This lecture has been viewed by millions on YouTube, and the book is a best seller.

One of the most meaningful parts of the book is when he talks about being a teacher. He felt strongly that his role as teacher was to enable the dreams of others. Someone paid extra attention to him and gave him a chance when he was young. He felt an obligation to pay that forward.

Those of us who teach residents have the opportunity to breathe life into the dreams of young physicians. We can shine a light down a dark path that will guide them until their own light is bright enough to show the way to something exciting. Who will be the next great textbook author, the next great department chair, the next great teacher? Who will lead a team to a devastated country 10 years from now? Who will raise a well-adjusted and happy family and find the right balance between work and play, security and philanthropy?

These young people are in our midst. The first breath of their dreams may quietly rise as you open your heart during a calm moment in the ED. It may be your words of advice and encouragement that cause someone to choose the path that leads to a more fulfilling and happy existence. And possibly you will inspire the next giant of emergency medicine.

Now that’s something for which it is worth getting out of bed. Thanks, Randy.

Be happy.

Dr. Baehren lives in Ottawa Hills, Ohio. He practices emergency medicine and is an assistant professor at the University of Toledo (Ohio) Medical Center. Your feedback is welcome at David.Baehren@utoledo.edu.