It is rewarding to watch my patients who present with HIV and viral hepatitis, which are often new for them, and to educate them so that when they leave they understand that none of these infections define who they are and what life they can lead. Being the first physician in my family, my road to medical school and training was an adventure. I did not have a prior image of what a "doctor" was, and so I followed my instincts and the lead of the patients, who taught me what a doctor should be. In medical school, I cared for a lot of patients with HIV and I found it hard to imagine doing anything else. First and foremost, I consider myself a clinician, and treasure bedside medicine and my time spent with patients. My research is driven by the very questions that arise from the desire to provide the best possible care to my patients.