“Always two there are, no more, no less. A master and an apprentice.” ~ Yoda

We’re about to make a few assumptions, so please hang on. Assuming you have some knowledge of “The Hero’s Journey” via Joseph Campbell, or via George Lucas via Joseph Campbell, or via just about any Marvel or D.C. Comics movie reboot in the last decade, you know that basically every heroic story is based on a common myth. Think about all of your favorite epic, action-adventure, or fantasy films with the soaring scores and scary bad guys. They all kind of have the same plot, right? The humble, reluctant protagonist is faced with a challenge that they are either unwilling or unprepared to face until someone more experienced comes along to teach and encourage them.

Sound familiar?  

So assuming that you are the hero of your own story—as you should be—why wouldn’t we also assume you have (or have sought out) a brilliant, devoted mentor? And assuming that medical education is a righteous path, why wouldn’t it be safe to assume that this assumption would be true, or is it just a myth?

In this episode, we compare this mythology to that within the culture of medicine, and explore how hubris can be the mortal enemy of potential, if there’s no one there to tell you the truth. Med School Tutors President & CEO, Robert Meekins, and doctors Michael Coords and Leila Javidi share from their own origin stories.

If you're interested in reading Atul Gawande's article in The New Yorker, "Personal Best," Dr. Kenneth Ludmerer's book, Let Me Heal, or a review of it in The New York Review, feel free to check them out!

And if you're looking for a little visual inspiration, download these free MST re-imagined hero/mentor-themed images for your desktop!