James Andrews

I have always been interested in being a doctor. I also really enjoy sports, so when I really started thinking about whom I should model my life after there was really one stand out choice. He has worked with many of my favorite players such as Roger Clemens, Allen Iverson, Bo Jackson, Michael Jordan, and Drew Brees. This man is arguably one of the most successful surgeons and his patients come back better than ever in their respective sport. His name is James Andrews. I also believe in giving back, so when I discovered that he started his own charity organization, I knew I had found my hero.

James Andrews (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=3024046)

James Andrews is an orthopedic surgeon. He works on hips, knees, elbows, and various other joints on the human body. Though he started out small, he has worked with some of the most famous athletes in the world and is often the first person a star calls when they leave the field or court injured. To get to this point in his career, he went to LSU pre med and medical school. To successfully graduate in the time he planned, he even had to give up his love of pole vaulting. He is well off with his money, but he does what he does because he loves it, not because of the salary.

Andrews’ father coached track and football teams, and he thinks this is why he loves sports. He also grew to love medicine from his grandfather, who was a successful doctor himself. Through college at LSU he displayed a determination, intelligence, and an overall natural ability to succeed in the field of medicine. He was on the pole vaulting team for his first two years at college, but after his dad’s death, he found it necessary to graduate as soon as possible and have a steady income. To do this and ensure efficient study habits, he was forced to quit his sport. But, in the long run, he said that this was not such a bad thing, because he felt he could relate to his patients who were itching to get back to play.

Andrews at work (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=3024046)

James Andrews is not just an amazing doctor, he is also a great man. Because of the success of his business he was able to start the American Sports Medicine Institute which is a nonprofit organization that helps further advance the field of medicine. Also, every year he helps six doctors improve their skills in an apprenticeship under him. These are called “Andrews Fellows”. So far, there are more than 200 Andrews fellows practicing by themselves and many have turned into very successful surgeons. But they would not be where they are at today without the help of Andrews. He also has helped thousands and thousands of patients, not just superstars, get back to their full health and get back on the playing field so they can do what they love.

Andrews is my hero and I hope to model my life after his. In high school I will challenge myself with rigorous courses and study very hard in order to receive the grades necessary to get accepted into an esteemed medical school. I will also get involved in various extra curricular activities outside of school to further boost my resume. I hope to go to a good medical school and I will continue to deepen my knowledge and take in everything my professors teach me. In life, I dream of becoming as successful as James Andrews. But in the long run, as long as I help out just a couple people and I make their life better, even if it is just a minimal difference, I believe I will have succeeded.