The Ability to See Both Sides with Dr. Richard Kovacs

Dr. Richard Kovacs is the current President of the American College of Cardiology and the Q.E. and Sally Russell Professor of Cardiology at Indiana University School of Medicine. He trained at Indiana University, where he was the chief medical resident and chief cardiology fellow. He is a clinical cardiology leader for Indiana University Health Physicians where he is responsible for the coordination of patient care activities across all the hospitals served by the IU faculty cardiologists.  Dr. Kovac’s research focuses on quality measurement, drug safety, and sports cardiology. Dr. Kovacs was a Co-Chair of the committee that revised the AHA/ACC Eligibility and Disqualification Recommendations for Competitive Athletes with Cardiovascular Abnormalities. As a sports fanatic himself, he oversees the cardiovascular evaluation of players at the Annual NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. There is a saying in Indiana that it’s a mighty thin pancake that doesn’t have two sides.  There is a saying in Indiana that it’s a mighty thin pancake that doesn’t have two sides. Today, Dr. Richard Kovacs shares the value of humility, inquisitiveness, and the ability to see both sides of a debate. He advises us to be humble, to accept failure when it occurs, and to not be too self-congratulatory when it comes to success. Dr. Kovacs reminds us that we never truly do anything alone, and it is wise to value the insights and criticism from those we work closely with, those we respect, and those who know us the best. And, there is perhaps one thing never to forget as a physician who’s been in the field for a day, or a decade: The patient is the most important person in the room. Pearls of Wisdom: 1. Always remember that you are part of a team. Ask yourself - is there anything that I can do completely by myself in the hospital? 2. Successful mentors are accessible, in fact they have a limitless capacity for mentoring. Never have second thoughts when approaching a mentor and asking for advice. 3. Be humble. Do not get caught up in personal accolades and accomplishments. Stay grounded in who you are and where you came from.