Enjoyed reading this entry b/c it 'sort of' answers the question I wanted to ask you about your switch from ER. Coincidentally, just this week I watched the 60 mins interview w/David Byrne where he describes his musical journey and how he switched to salsa latin music after disbanding the Talking Heads (without their knowledge apparently). Since TH he's moved on to do musicals and "Theatre of the Mind" which is like a museum art exhibit of Byrne's life and brain. It seems to be working out for him. I recently heard that he was recently seen singing at a random karaoke bar. The audience said, "Wait a minute....is that David Byrne?" I'm sure some ER patient will some day see you in palliative care and say "Wait a minute.....is that Tyler Jorgensen who saved my life 20 years ago?" "And you may ask yourself......"
Just going to type some thoughts that this post brings for me this morning. In my professional life, I've had many career path changes. Always looking for that "I'm home" feeling. I get glimpses but usually nothing that has staying power for me. Maybe that is just part of my personality or maybe there is a something that is worthy out there of my continued seeking. Maybe for me variety is the spice of life when it comes to career and professional experiences and I'm just always trying to be a career student and expand on my breadth of knowledge and experiences. Some of the best times for me are in training: medical school, residency, fellowship, NOLS Wilderness Medicine course (thank you Tyler putting NOLS on my radar); these have really been some of the most rewarding and meaningful times in my professional life. I love making new friends and learning in a fun way.
This also makes me think of the Dead Poets Society quote:
"And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for."
How important, critical even, are the arts in creating a meaningful and rich life.
I think my mixtape on this topic would have Changes by David Bowie
I really enjoy reading your posts. This one truly resonated with me because I experienced similar feelings when I changed my life from teaching to ministry. Although the two have many things in common (as your two chosen fields of medicine do also), they are so different that the challenges feel like different lives being lived. I loved teaching and I love ministry too. But I needed a change before I became one of those teachers who was just punching a clock.
I applaud you for having the stuff to make such a change. I hope that as your life continues to unfold, you will keep your eyes open for more forks in the road.
Last thing: I never realized your dad was such a philosopher! So glad you have him in your life and in your heart to serve that purpose.
I can only imagine how dynamic that change must have been for you. You were an absolute teaching legend. So impactful for all of us. I am so thankful you found and took the next step in your journey! I would love to hear more about your path into ministry at some point. Cup of coffee next time you're up this way?
Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad you're enjoying the posts!
Enjoyed reading this entry b/c it 'sort of' answers the question I wanted to ask you about your switch from ER. Coincidentally, just this week I watched the 60 mins interview w/David Byrne where he describes his musical journey and how he switched to salsa latin music after disbanding the Talking Heads (without their knowledge apparently). Since TH he's moved on to do musicals and "Theatre of the Mind" which is like a museum art exhibit of Byrne's life and brain. It seems to be working out for him. I recently heard that he was recently seen singing at a random karaoke bar. The audience said, "Wait a minute....is that David Byrne?" I'm sure some ER patient will some day see you in palliative care and say "Wait a minute.....is that Tyler Jorgensen who saved my life 20 years ago?" "And you may ask yourself......"
Love your selections and discussions. You probably don't know that this is one of my go-to karaoke songs. Or did you.....?
I would add the whole David Byrne album, "Everything That Happens Will Happen Today" to my mixtape! Especially, The River and Life is Long.
Just going to type some thoughts that this post brings for me this morning. In my professional life, I've had many career path changes. Always looking for that "I'm home" feeling. I get glimpses but usually nothing that has staying power for me. Maybe that is just part of my personality or maybe there is a something that is worthy out there of my continued seeking. Maybe for me variety is the spice of life when it comes to career and professional experiences and I'm just always trying to be a career student and expand on my breadth of knowledge and experiences. Some of the best times for me are in training: medical school, residency, fellowship, NOLS Wilderness Medicine course (thank you Tyler putting NOLS on my radar); these have really been some of the most rewarding and meaningful times in my professional life. I love making new friends and learning in a fun way.
This also makes me think of the Dead Poets Society quote:
"And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for."
How important, critical even, are the arts in creating a meaningful and rich life.
I think my mixtape on this topic would have Changes by David Bowie
Tyler - I am enjoying these so much. This really resonated today. And inspired me to put on "Stop Making Sense" as I write. such a great album.
Hi Tyler,
I really enjoy reading your posts. This one truly resonated with me because I experienced similar feelings when I changed my life from teaching to ministry. Although the two have many things in common (as your two chosen fields of medicine do also), they are so different that the challenges feel like different lives being lived. I loved teaching and I love ministry too. But I needed a change before I became one of those teachers who was just punching a clock.
I applaud you for having the stuff to make such a change. I hope that as your life continues to unfold, you will keep your eyes open for more forks in the road.
Last thing: I never realized your dad was such a philosopher! So glad you have him in your life and in your heart to serve that purpose.
Mark,
I can only imagine how dynamic that change must have been for you. You were an absolute teaching legend. So impactful for all of us. I am so thankful you found and took the next step in your journey! I would love to hear more about your path into ministry at some point. Cup of coffee next time you're up this way?
Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad you're enjoying the posts!