Published: December 8, 2014

Saying “Thank You”

As I depart the Academy and say, “thank you,” I feel the need to recognize others whose influences on my life have been profound. First, my parents and siblings. I am one of 11 children—five older and five younger—eight of whom are still living, and they bless my life in indescribable ways.


David R. Nielsen, MD AAO-HNS/F EVP/CEODavid R. Nielsen, MD AAO-HNS/F EVP/CEO

As I depart the Academy and say, “thank you,” I feel the need to recognize others whose influences on my life have been profound. First, my parents and siblings. I am one of 11 children—five older and five younger—eight of whom are still living, and they bless my life in indescribable ways. I honor my incredible father and my perfect mother for their teaching, their example, their undying devotion to their children and each other.

I thank those who trained me at the University of Utah: Drs. Jim Parkin, Mike Stevens, and Lee Johnson, among others. They not only taught medicine and otolaryngology, but commitment to service, mentoring, teamwork, and excellence. Their personal examples and lessons are timeless and infinitely expandable to all aspects of my life.

I had a solo private practice for 13 years. Those who worked with me during that time were my second family: Cheryl Runge (and her husband Bill, my cycling buddy) and Patty Shappel, my friends and devoted audiology colleagues; and Jackie Mossman, my office manager, friend, (continued) and health guru (an aerobics leader par excellance). They will never know how much I appreciate their sharing that part of my life. My colleagues at the Mayo Clinic Scottsdale: Drs. Mitch Marion, Steve Bansberg, Mike Hinni, Max Wertz, Roy Durio, and John Stroh provided one of the most exemplary clinical experiences imaginable.

And most important of all, I say thank you to my best friend, partner, and wife of 41 years, and our darling children and grandchildren. Becky and I have been best friends since early childhood. She is the single most important reason for any success I have had in my life.

My dear mother-in-law had a cross stitch in her home that sums up my feelings of gratitude to everyone: “Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same.” Thanks to all of you, and your welcome “footprints on my heart.” I will always be better for having known you. God bless you all!

 

 

 


More from December 2014/January 2015 - Vol. 33 No.12