Mentors shape us in ways we often don’t appreciate until much later. They see potential when we doubt ourselves, offer perspective when we feel lost, and guide us through the moments that define our careers.
Dr. George Williams wasn’t just my leader… he was the heart of our team, the kind of physician and human being I could only hope to become. Brilliant yet humble. Fiercely dedicated yet endlessly kind. He gave his all to his patients, trainees, and colleagues. His energy lit up the room, and his handshake and smile made you feel like the most important person in the world. And let’s not forget his dad jokes and signature bow-tie.
When I was still a fellow in Boston with no ties to UTHealth Houston, George was one of the only two people who even knew me here. He vouched for me and recruited me as an intensivist and cardiac anesthesiologist, opening doors for me in our CVICU and teaching me, quite literally, how to be an attending intensivist. As a brand-new attending navigating unfamiliar settings during the uneasy times of the COVID-19 pandemic, George checked on me, reassured me, and became an unwavering source of strength when the fear and uncertainty felt overwhelming. Side by side, we cared for critically ill patients in community ICUs during the chaos of pre-vaccine COVID-19.
Throughout the entire time, George was more than just a mentor. He was a beloved friend. A source of wisdom, perspective, and comfort when the weight of this job threatened to break me. He taught me how to lead with compassion, how to teach with patience, and above all, how to never lose sight of the humanity in medicine. He was the quintessential leader in every aspect.
Losing him leaves a hole that cannot be filled. His belief in me shaped my career. His example shaped the physician and person I’ve become. I hope to carry his lessons, kindness, and spirit with me for the rest of my career.
