Welcome to Lessons Learned after Medical School forum, featuring short, motivational essays and inspirational stories submitted by physicians around the world. Stories of overcoming extraordinary circumstances give hope to those who are currently struggling. Woven through passages are subliminal messages of perseverance. The forum's purpose is to inspire every visitor, even if it means living through something that would have been unthinkable in medical school: trading a white coat for a tie-back gown.

I am James Michael Jackson, M. D. I took the Hippocratic Oath in 1987. Nineteen years later, I was living my dream as an orthopedic surgeon, husband, and father. However, life as I knew it would change. In 2008, I developed primary progressive multiple sclerosis. It abruptly ended my beloved surgical career but gave me countless opportunities to learn lessons about what really matters in life and to discover a passion for writing.

With the support of my family and friends and a great bit of soul searching, I realized I am a person first and a physician second. The surgeon part of my life is over, but my family cherishes me for being a loving husband and father. They care about me, not the surgeon part. They are proud of me no matter what. Their love is unconditional.

My family taught me a great lesson in life. Circumstances cannot change love. In the difficult times, it is love that keeps you going. Passions can be taken away, often not by your own choosing. Love is permanent. There is no substitute for the support of an individual. There is no replacement for a family's love and support.

To read more, visit my blog at http://LessonsLearnedAfterMedicalSchool.blogspot.com

Everyone has a story. I welcome you to post yours on this forum. Story submissions may be included in the Lessons Learned After Medical School book series.

I would love to hear from you. Email me at jim@lessonslearnedaftermedicalschool.org