Surgery, Passion, and the Medical Student

Not long ago, during the course of an interview for surgical residency, a medical student asked me how I determined which person would make the best candidate for that position. I reflexly responded to the student's question, but my response set me to thinking about the answer I gave. The answer was not one you or I might give after serious reflection. I did not enumerate those qualities that distinguish a superior surgeon: ie, high intellect, excellent hand-eye coordination, steady temperament, sound ethics, good moral character, and a large fund of medical knowledge. Rather the answer was one I suspect surgeons of all specialties could agree on with some unanimity. My answer to the medical student's question of what I sought in a person seeking a surgical residency, was, passion.