APMA News - March/April 2024 - 68

10 questions
Featuring Samuel
R. Gorelik, DPM, of
Canton, MA
In this feature, APMA News asks one member 10 questions and gets
all the answers about their passions, ambitions, and priorities. Would
you like to answer our questions? Contact Aimee Condayan at
acondayan@apma.org.
1. When you were a kid, what did
you want to be when you grew up?
A lawyer.
2. What do you do for fun during
your time off?
Travel and explore nature. Over the next year, I
am planning a trip to Brazil and Singapore.
3. If you could meet any famous
person, who would it be?
Selena Gomez. She was a celebrity who did well
growing up under the spotlight [but] stayed out
of trouble, while also handling the press well
when there were several discussions about her
own health issues. She has seemed to be a good
role model for young kids. I feel like she would
be a great person to meet and hang out with.
4. Why is podiatry the best career
for you?
I find that I am able to play a vital role in improving
the lives of my patients. I see a lot of sick patients
based on where the hospital is located, and I am one
of two podiatrists who see consults at the hospital.
Podiatry allows me to use my compassion to
connect with patients of all different backgrounds.
5. Who's the most memorable professor
you've ever had, and why?
My anatomy and physiology professor, James
Ragona. He had one quote that has stuck with
me since high school: Your life is too long to be
doing something you don't enjoy, and it is too
short to not pursue the things you like.
6. What's the best meal you've
ever had?
My grandmother makes Russian-style meat
dumplings with potato on the side. I have yet to
eat any meal that can compare.
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7. Where would you go if you could
visit anywhere in the world?
I would go to New Zealand. The reputation it has
in regard to nature is second to none.
8. What are some " soft skills " that
are important for medical professionals
to have?
I break it down to three things: critical thinking,
compassion, and ability to perform under stress.
You need to be able to think through difficult
problems because people's problems will not just
be on the surface. You need compassion because
no matter what specialty you are in, people's lives
are in your hands. These are people with families,
not standardized patients. What makes a good
physician into a great physician is someone who
can perform well when everything goes their way
but can also rebound when things take a turn for
the worse.
9. What mistake have you made that
taught you a great lesson?
When I was younger, I suffered from severe
eczema that would deter me from performing
well in school as it would get worse under
stress. I kept telling myself that I deserved
better, or that next time it will get better. Over
time I learned that making excuses creates a
bad habit. It is also dangerous to say that you
" deserve " something. Instead of complaining
about things, I decided to ask how I can learn
from certain events. I also realized that everyone
is dealing with something. I also learned
the difference between studying better and not
just studying harder or longer.
10. What is your favorite movie?
" Forrest Gump. "
APMA News - March/April 2024

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