Being the youngest certified surgeon of all time, how does that pressure factor into your work?
You know, it’s a lot to balance, but the most important thing for me is to stay humble. People come into my office every day and ask me for pictures or autographs to give to their children or grandchildren. I opt to separate myself from the fame and focus on helping people get back on their feet for a return to their loved ones. I’d also like to mention that I don’t take a salary; rather, I take my paycheck straight to the local children’s hospital. The current generation of children are the key to our future, and it’s important that I give them the best possible outlook on life while also prioritizing their health.
Back in 2021, I heard you saved a family of five from a house fire. How did that event change your perspective on the value of life, and a follow-up question, why did you return the $1 million award granted to you by their family?
If I may correct you, it was two families of five living in a duplex. The perspective change I was given from this experience was that life is precious, and you can never take any moment for granted. It also opened up my eyes to the atrocities of this world and the fact that even though I’m so humble and successful, I won’t be able to solve all of them. And to be honest, kind acts like these for me are never about the money. If I see something wrong or someone in trouble, I make it my priority to assist that person and help them see through their difficult time. I figured the two families could put the $1 million toward their brand-new duplex, but then also realized that $1 million wasn’t going to be enough to rebuild, so I started a charity organization for them and also donated $20 million out of pocket.
What is the number one thing that has caused your success?
Milk. Gotta be the milk.
People like to focus on your success on the ice and in the surgery center. Is there any other talent you’d like to share?
During my past time in med school, I grew quite skilled at yodeling. It’s an art form that has taken me years to master, and I actually meet at YA (Yodelers Anonymous) every Tuesday and Thursday down in Fenton to practice my yodeling with other master yodelers. Done wrong, it can result in torn vocal cords and even death, hence the years of practice needed.
What advice would you give young men of the world attempting to become classy individuals like yourself?
I fear for some of the young men of the world; they are too far gone to become classy. Having class is something you’re given at birth, an innate quality given to few chosen people. I was lucky enough to be graced with the highest of class and the most modest humility, a gift I’m thankful for every day. This question reminds me of a quote I made back in first grade to describe the issue of class in our society: “You can dress a pig up in satin, but it will still be a pig.”
What is your spirit animal?
Probably a cow, but only because the milk. If I could pick myself as an option, I’d do that too.
Do you think Priory will ever be able to compensate you for the immeasurable work you’ve contributed to the school?
No. The sun has a better chance of rising in the west.
Given your countless achievements, how do you find time to sleep, or have you evolved past the need for rest?
Instead of sleeping, I’ve developed a power nap system that keeps my consciousness sharp and my looks sharper, of course keeping my humility at the forefront. Because my classes are so easy and I don’t really need to pay attention, I take 42-minute naps in my first, third and fifth period of the day. This gives me the rest I need to take on the rest of the day without waking up groggy and unable to concentrate. I’d also like to add that during these 42-minute increments, I’m not exactly sleeping. I went to Mali back in 2019 and learned an ancient sleeping technique from the Timbuktu monks. They helped me tap into the other 99% of my brain so I could be productive in my sleep, so when I say I’m sleeping, it’s actually just me thinking about new ideas. Recently I’ve been rethinking the wheel and how to create a more efficient model.
Is there any other accomplishment you’ve had that you’d like to touch on?
That’s a very good question I’m glad you asked that. About 90 years ago, I invented the concept for sliced bread, but because of my immense humility, I gave the idea to Otto Frederick Rohwedder. I also gave him the phrase “the greatest thing since sliced bread,” again because of my unwavering humility.
What single gift or mindset would you share with the Priory students to help them grow and succeed even more?
It’s all about the milk.
Are there any final remarks you would like to leave us with?
If you are going to do one thing with the rest of your life, make that thing milk. Milk has completely altered my life, and is the reason I can be so successful yet so humble day in and day out. I’ve never seen an unhappy cow. Why? You do the math.
