Humor & Humility with Dr. Fred Zar

Fred Zar, MD, is a Professor of Clinical Medicine, Director of Academic Affairs in the Department of Medicine and the Program Director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Zar completed his medical school at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, residency in Internal Medicine at Illinois Masonic Medical Center, and then pursued a fellowship in infectious diseases at the University of Illinois Hospital. Dr. Zar is a hospitalist focused on adult medicine and infectious diseases. He's committed to serving Chicago's diverse communities and educating the next generation of physicians. Within moments of a conversation with Dr. Fred Zar, it’s hard not to see why he is so likeable. He’s known for having a welcoming manner and a great sense of humor. And today, he teaches us the power of humility—and being able to laugh at ourselves—in a profession as serious as medicine. Making mistakes is inevitable, so instead of hiding them, we can create a healthier environment for ourselves and those around us by developing a sense of humility. Aside from this, Dr. Zar believes strongly in a flat, non-hierarchical system. He explains how medicine has evolved over time, and that greater emphasis is being placed on equality and respect for physicians in all stages of their career. Finally, he reveals what stands out most to him in a mentee: It is those who have a mission driven approach, and those who prove their own resiliency and willingness to persevere. Pearls of Wisdom: 1. The secret to well-being in medicine is to stay humble about ourselves. Strive to have some fun and some humor in our serious profession. 2. Make an effort to see the world in a non-hierarchical way, something you learned from your father, who knew the names of everyone from the mailman to the CEO at his company. 3. The best mentees aren't the ones who are always successful, rather those that demonstrate the resilience to be able to keep going on despite the struggles.