Courtesy of Michael Natter

“I want to go into endocrinology so I can help those who share my disease. It’s an interesting field in and of itself.

"However, since a lot of the treatment with chronic disease is up to patient compliance, being able to relate to the patient firsthand goes a long way. For example, an 11- or 12-year-old diabetic kid will have their doc tell them to take injections, prick their finger, and go easy on the Fruit Loops. Not eat Fruit Loops? Fruit Loops are delicious!

"But, if a doctor could get on their level and look them in the eye and say, ‘Hey, this SUCKS, and I know it sucks because I have to do it too, but we can work together and make it suck a little less and be healthy people,’ I think that would go a long way.”