MEET LOCAL LEGENDS: By State

"I had a fifth grade teacher who would talk about her husband, who was a hospital intern, so I became really interested in science and medicine, and went on to become a doctor myself!"

"I never dreamed I'd get to learn the things my job has taught me. I'm really blessed to be involved in public health and to work with inspiring, passionate people who motivate me to be better."

"Christ, Kennedy and Albert Schweitzer got me going in this direction. When I found out what was really in this direction, my stubbornness kept me here."

"My personal mission is to help provide more physicians for rural communities. We are trying to build a medical school that will produce compassionate, caring doctors who want to work in rural areas."

"Helping medical students gain competency and experience and become good doctors working with real patients is one of the best rewards I know."

"I try to help children and give them the ability to do something they couldn't do before. When you can do that, you change their world."

"My goal is to increase the understanding of neurogenic bladder in children with spina bifida. There still is no cure for spina bifida, but it's a real privilege to work with these families and see their courage"