If you had a chance to chase your dreams and pursue your passion, would you? Even if it meant giving up a sure thing? This is Patrick Staropoli's dilemma: Doctor or race-car driver? Follow your head, or your heart?

This is the conflict that I present in my latest feature project, DRiven, a 5,000-word piece and accompanying 30-minute video/documentary shot by my amazing colleague Mike Stocker), which published on Sunday.

Patrick, 24, was valedictorian of his class at Plantation High. He graduated summa cum laude from Harvard. He has completed three of eight semesters at the University of Miami medical school.

And now he must decide whether to chuck his safe path toward becoming an ophthalmologist to gamble on trying to become a NASCAR driver.

What would you do if you were in his shoes? And what do you think he should do?

I spent the last six months following Patrick on his journey (which explains why my usual columns went missing for stretches), and it's been a pleasure getting to know him and his family. If you get a chance, read the piece, and watch the documentary (just click on the photo frame at the top of the opening chapter here), and feel free to offer your comments below.

And if you want to get in touch with me about the story, email me at mmayo@sunsentinel.com or call 954-356-4508.

I'll write a follow-up story in late October/early November to update you on Patrick's version of The Decision: Whether he's going to return to UM Med school in January or forfeit his coveted spot for good to continue racing.