Lifetime influence of one year with Gerry Smith

I spent just one year working with Gerry Smith; it was during the research elective portion of my last year of psychiatry residency. That single year's experience has had a lasting influence on my career choices, not just in terms of content of work, but also in the approach to the professional life as a whole. Whereas the work I do today may bear little direct resemblance to what I did in the Bourne Laboratory more than 25 years ago, Gerry had a major influence on the what and the how of my professional career. Gerry was more than a mentor; he was a friend, philosopher, and guide. He promoted a value system that included a passion for learning and collegiality. He always stressed that empirical data trumped expert opinions, and that it was necessary to challenge long-held scientific dogmas from time to time. Through personal example, he showed the importance of giving back to one's trainees what one had received from the mentors. He also showed how even animal research could be an enjoyable social activity. Last but not least, Gerry's way of treating the laboratory staff, including faculty and trainees, as a family, was one of a kind. Most mentors are useful for teaching content of research; Gerry is one of those few who serve as role models-not only as scientists but also as professionals.