My pursuit of a career in orthopaedics has come as no surprise to those around me. Growing up on our family horse farm in Mechanicsburg, Pa., afforded me many mechanical tasks. Foot and ankle orthopaedic surgery was an obvious choice: the diverse patient population, challenging surgeries, exciting research, and the ability to help my patients get back to the activities they enjoy most. I do not take for granted my wonderful mentors throughout residency and fellowship training. I am thankful to be practicing back where my interest in foot and ankle was first ignited. My wife Samantha and I are excited to be back living in the Triangle. As medical missionary, Dr. Albert Schweitzer said, “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by the spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” It is my responsibility, but also privilege as a surgeon, to empower my patients with ‘that light’, through optimism, knowledge, and ultimately relief, through both non-operative and surgical means.