Gus Krucke, MD completed his medical education at the University of Texas in Galveston in 1991. He is trained in internal medicine, emergency medicine, and HIV, with critical care and procedural expertise. He joined the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Houston in 2002. He is an active staff at Memorial Hermann Hospital, Lyndon B Johnson General Hospital, and Thomas Street Clinic. He is the 2010 recipient of the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award. In addition, he received the General Internal Medicine Statewide Preceptorship Program Decade of Service Award in 2011.

Dr. Gus Krucke shares the four traits of the most successful trainees:  They know themselves, they work hard, they care deeply, and they are always willing to question what they know. Today, Dr. Krucke explains that successful trainees are a little unsure, especially in the beginning. They acknowledge when something isn't their area of expertise. It's those who don't know what they don't know who are dangerous. Those who will become great clinicians, question themselves, yet don't put themselves down, which is also an important distinction. It is important to realize that "There is a difference between being inquisitive, and being self-defeating because of self-criticism."  

Pearls of Wisdom:

1. Mentees need to remember that mentorship is a two-way street. Approach potential mentors with respect and a specific request, rather than just showing up and saying "Tell me what I need to know!". 2. For mentees transitioning to a mentor role, remember what it's like to be at the bottom of the totem pole: the overwhelm, the questioning your choices. That will help you be empathetic towards your mentees. 3. No profession is like medicine, that allows you to have such a direct impact on the lives of others. When you start to feel frustrated, remember why you got into medicine in the first place: to make a difference.