Why Hobbies Matter More Than People Think
Over the years, I’ve worn a lot of titles—surgeon, CEO, philanthropist, husband, father—but there’s another set of titles I’m equally proud of: golfer, tennis player, cyclist, and painter. These aren’t just hobbies I pick up when there’s “extra time” (because let’s be honest, there’s never truly extra time). They’re a deliberate part of how I keep my mind sharp, my body active, and my creativity flowing.
Life has a way of pulling us into constant motion, especially when you’re balancing multiple careers and commitments. But I’ve found that when I step away from my desk or the operating room and step onto a golf course, a tennis court, or a quiet art studio, I return to my work more focused and energized than before.
Golf: The Game of Patience and Precision
Golf has been my favorite sport for as long as I can remember. There’s something about walking onto the course early in the morning, feeling that crisp air, and knowing that every swing is a test of focus.
Golf isn’t just about physical skill—it’s about patience. If you rush, you’ll miss the shot. If you lose your temper, the game slips away from you. I’ve taken that lesson into business and life. Running a law firm with my wife or overseeing a global health project requires the same kind of calm, steady decision-making that golf demands. You can’t let one bad “hole” ruin the entire game. You focus on the next shot.
It’s also a game of precision. Just as a surgeon must know exactly where to make an incision, a golfer must know exactly how to position their body and control the club. Every detail matters. That kind of discipline transfers to everything I do.
Tennis: The Fast Pace of Decision-Making
While golf is slow and deliberate, tennis is fast and reactive. The ball is coming at you whether you’re ready or not, and you have only seconds to respond. That’s a lot like life’s unexpected challenges.
Tennis keeps me agile—not just physically, but mentally. You can have the best game plan in the world, but if your opponent changes their strategy, you need to adjust instantly. In business, I’ve seen plans change overnight due to market shifts or unforeseen challenges. The ability to adapt quickly is something tennis has sharpened in me over the years.
It’s also an incredible workout, and there’s something invigorating about walking off the court knowing you’ve pushed your limits. That physical stamina pays off when I’m traveling for humanitarian work or spending long days meeting with partners on our hospital projects.
Cycling: The Joy of Endurance
Cycling is one of those hobbies that tests your endurance in ways you don’t expect. On the surface, it’s just you, the bike, and the road ahead. But when you’re several miles in and your legs are burning, your lungs are working overtime, and there’s still a hill in front of you, it becomes as much a mental challenge as a physical one.
Endurance is a trait every leader needs. Projects rarely unfold as quickly as we hope. Global Healing Inc. has taken years of groundwork before certain hospitals could even break ground. Cycling reminds me that the long game is worth it. The hill won’t last forever, and the view from the top is worth every pedal stroke.
It also gives me time to think. Some of my best ideas for business and philanthropy have come to me on long rides, when the noise of daily life is replaced by the steady rhythm of wheels on pavement.
Painting: Creativity Without Rules
While sports challenge my body and sharpen my decision-making, painting feeds my creativity. There’s something therapeutic about picking up a brush, mixing colors, and seeing where the process takes me.
In the operating room, precision is everything. There’s no room for improvisation when someone’s health is on the line. But in art, the rules disappear. You can follow the lines or ignore them completely. This freedom keeps my mind open and reminds me that not every problem requires a rigid solution. Sometimes the best results come from experimenting and letting things evolve naturally.
Painting also slows me down. In a world that constantly pushes us to move faster, I value the moments where I can take my time and watch something beautiful take shape—whether it’s on a canvas or in my life.
The Overlap Between Hobbies and Leadership
People sometimes ask me how I “find time” for hobbies. My answer is simple: I don’t find time, I make time. These activities aren’t distractions from my work—they’re part of what allows me to work at a high level.
Golf teaches patience. Tennis sharpens my reflexes. Cycling builds endurance. Painting fosters creativity. Together, they help me approach challenges with a balanced mindset. Without them, I’d risk burning out, making rushed decisions, or losing sight of the joy in what I do.
Leadership, whether in medicine, business, or philanthropy, is about more than making decisions. It’s about staying centered, adaptable, and resilient. My hobbies give me that balance.
Why Everyone Needs a “Recharge Button”
I believe everyone—no matter their profession—needs a “recharge button.” For some, it might be gardening, hiking, or playing an instrument. For others, it might be cooking, writing, or traveling. The point is to have something that takes you out of the rush of responsibilities and gives you space to reset.
For me, it’s not about being the best golfer, the fastest tennis player, or the most skilled painter. It’s about the moments of clarity, peace, and inspiration these hobbies give me. They keep me grounded when life gets overwhelming and remind me that growth happens not just in boardrooms or on construction sites, but also in quiet moments of personal challenge and joy.
If there’s one thing my hobbies have taught me, it’s that life is richer when you make room for the things that feed your soul. The lessons I’ve learned on the golf course, the tennis court, the bike trail, and in front of a canvas have shaped the way I lead, the way I serve, and the way I live.
In the end, it’s not just about playing a sport or making art—it’s about keeping yourself sharp, balanced, and ready for whatever comes next. Whether you’re building a business, raising a family, or leading a global initiative, the grit you develop in your hobbies will carry over into every area of your life. And that, I believe, is the real win.