Meet Mary Springston, Chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies
What qualities do you think make a great teacher?
Teaching, and more specifically, medical education, has always been a heartfelt calling for me. Being able to pass on to the next generation of health care providers all that I have gleaned in my professional life is a sacred honor. Attitude, motivation, initiative, ingenuity and creativity are some of the driving qualities that make a great teacher.
In your experience, what is the best way to handle a disappointment?
How we handle disappointment is at least as important as how we handle success. Disappointment helps define our humanity. When confronted by disappointment, I have had to examine what I might have done differently, what I learned from the experience, and how I grew as a result..
What quality or characteristic do you hope others would say you most exhibit?
A good friend once described me as “intrepid.” I would like others to see me as someone who puts ideas into actions; someone who moves forward with innovation, balanced with good sense, unafraid to change the status quo for “something more; something better.”.
Name something you do every day for your health.
I practice what I preach and teach to my patients and students. Eating well, exercising daily and all things in moderation are good rules to live by. I also believe in a good night’s sleep.
What have you learned from your students?
I have learned that hard work can help one achieve great things – that persistence and dedication, duty and altruism can combine to make a difference.
How would you finish the following sentences?
You have nothing to fear but … losing your health.
It’s not over until you … take your last breath.