Douglas Flora: Things I wish someone had told me back then

Douglas Flora posted the following on LinkedIn:

“’I would tell my younger self: Don’t be afraid to dream bigger than anyone around you.’ – Serena Williams

I found an old photo of myself, probably at 17. Now at 53, with a bit more wisdom, I wish I could send that kid a list of things I’ve learned—things I wish someone had told me back then. Here is my list:

10. Don’t trust that inner voice too much – It’s based on perception, not facts, and it’s often wrong.

9. Read every day – It opens more doors than you’d imagine.

8. It’s OK to feel deeply – Make the world better, even when others say it’s not worth the effort.

7. Smaller hair, buddy – You’ll thank yourself later.

6. A handful of close friends is enough.

5. Big truth: You are the average of the five people around you – Choose wisely.

4. Have a bias towards action – Few others will.

3. Marry Andrea – It’s the best decision you’ll ever make.

2. Integrity NEVER goes out of style.

1. Family is everything – To quote the Avett Brothers, ‘there is nothing worth sharing like the love that let us share our name.’

Please consider sharing a few of your own ‘simple truths’ in the comments below and ill pull some of them together and share here (won’t give your name) next week!”

Source: Douglas Flora/LinkedIn

Douglas Flora is the Executive Medical Director of Oncology Services at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, overseeing clinical operations, strategic planning, and the expansion of cancer programs. He is also the co-founder of the Center for Precision Medicine; Genomic Health.

As the Editor-in-Chief of ‘AI in Precision Oncology,’ the first peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to this field, he plays a pivotal role in advancing research. He is also an active board member of the American Cancer Society and ACCC, where he contributes to advocacy, education, and innovation within the cancer community.