5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became A Doctor

As part of my series about healthcare leaders, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Robert John, founder of Troy Oral Surgery.

Dr. Robert John, a board-certified oral maxillofacial surgeon, founded Troy Oral Surgery in 2024, bringing over two decades of experience from previous practices in Oxford and Warren, Michigan. Dr. John holds honors degrees from the University of Toronto and graduated with honors from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, later completing his oral maxillofacial surgery residency at the Detroit Medical Center alongside earning a medical degree from Wayne State University. He currently provides a full range of oral and maxillofacial procedures at several Michigan hospitals and is actively involved in residency programs, training future surgeons.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! What is your “backstory”?

I was born in Jamaica and raised in Toronto, but my education and career have allowed me to establish deep roots in Southeast Michigan. My hands-on training and residency under expert oral maxillofacial surgeons have profoundly influenced my personalized approach to patient care. After more than 22 years in the field, I realized my vision by opening Troy Oral Surgery. I’m also passionate about providing personalized treatment and training the next generation of surgeons while serving at various esteemed health centers across Michigan.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons often have memorable and humorous stories from their careers, though these are typically shared in a professional context to maintain confidentiality and respect. One classic funny story involves a patient who, under anesthesia, started discussing their favorite TV show with the surgical team as if they were old friends. The humorous part came when the patient insisted that the surgeon’s skills must be comparable to their favorite character’s abilities; prompting the team to carefully navigate their responses while performing the procedure. It’s a light-hearted reminder of how anesthesia can make for unexpected and amusing situations.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

There was a time in the beginning of my career where I went to the incorrect office to treat patients. For some reason, I thought I needed to be in one place, but it was scheduled in another, and patients ended up waiting for me to arrive. Because of this experience, I always double check my schedule the night before and be flexible throughout my working day.

Are you working on any new or exciting projects now?

As I’ve mentioned, I recently opened a state-of-the-art oral and maxillofacial surgery office, called Troy Oral Surgery, which is located in Troy, Michigan. It sets a new standard in patient care and technological innovation. I meticulously designed the practice with the latest advancements in mind. The facility features cutting-edge imaging systems, including 3D cone beam CT scanners, ensuring precise diagnostics and treatment planning.

The office is equipped with advanced surgical suites designed for optimal sterility and comfort, and our patients’ monitoring systems utilize real-time data to enhance safety. To complement our technological advancements, we have created a welcoming and serene environment to help patients feel at ease throughout their visit. This new office reflects our commitment to putting our patients first, and delivering exceptional care through both advanced technology and an aesthetic approach.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

Absolutely. I am particularly grateful to my mentor, Dr. Steve Wolf, who provided invaluable guidance and support during my residency. His expertise, patience, and encouragement helped me navigate the complexities of oral and maxillofacial surgery, shaping my skills and professional growth. His commitment to excellent and compassionate patient care continues to inspire me to strive for the same standards in my own practice. This mentorship was instrumental in my journey, and I carry the lessons learned into every aspect of my career.

Is there a particular book that made an impact on you? Can you share a story?

At this point, I really do not have the time to leisurely read, however there is one textbook called “Petersen’s Oral and Maxillofacial Principles” that I do glance at from time to time. Petersen’s principles of oral and maxillofacial surgery have profoundly shaped my career by providing a solid foundation for clinical practice and patient care. His emphasis on a comprehensive approach to diagnosis, treatment planning and surgical execution has guided me in developing a strategic and patient-centered methodology. The principles of integrating detailed clinical assessment with advanced surgical techniques have enhanced my ability to address complex cases with precision and confidence.

Furthermore, Petersen’s commitment to continuous learning and evidence-based practice has inspired me to stay at the forefront of advancements in the field, ensuring that my patients receive the highest standard of care.

How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?

I do not charge veterans for their services when I see them in my office. I have such great respect for their profound commitment to serving our country. By providing free treatment to veterans, I alleviate some of their financial burdens and ensure they receive high-quality care that may be critical for their well-being and quality of life. This gesture reflects a deep sense of respect and gratitude for the sacrifices made by veterans, recognizing the unique challenges they may face and reinforcing the value of their contributions to the nation. Such practices highlight the compassionate side of healthcare and underscores the importance of giving back to those who have given so much.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share a story about how that was relevant to you in your own life?

The principle of treating others as you want to be treated, often encapsulated in the “Golden Rule”, emphasizes empathy and mutual respect. I believe this approach fosters a more harmonious and understanding environment, as it encourages individuals to reflect on their own desires and needs and to extend the same compassion and fairness to others.

Can you share your top three “lifestyle tweaks” that will help people feel great?

Certainly! Firstly, prioritizing sleep is crucial to improve a person’s overall quality of life.

Secondly, taking a vacation has numerous benefits for both your mental and physical well-being. I always feel like my stress level is reduced on vacation and when I return, I have a sense of increased productivity.

Lastly, I try to incorporate daily exercise. Engaging in regular exercise boosts my mood and energy levels.

What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why. (Please share a story or example for each.)

1. A person’s career is a marathon, not a sprint.
2. Always stay positive (especially during residency!)
3. Appreciate your career and never take it for granted.
4. Take time for yourself and try hard to have a healthy work/life balance.
5. Enjoy the ride — it is FUN!

If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?

I’d love to establish a mental health movement that truly impacts individuals and society. The goal of the movement would be to normalize, prioritize and support mental well-being at every stage of life, while addressing societal barriers to mental health care. Mental health is still health and just like you see a doctor for a physical, you should do an annual check in on your mental wellbeing.

We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them :-)

I would have loved to have breakfast with Kobe Bryant. Kobe Bryant’s work ethic is legendary and often cited as one of the defining factors of his incredible success in basketball. His commitment to excellence went beyond natural talents and was rooted in his relentless pursuit of improvement. He coined the term “Mamba Mentality”, which refers to a mindset of relentless focus, resilience, and the pursuit of being the best version of yourself. He applied this not only in basketball, but in every aspect of life, emphasizing continuous learning and self-improvement.

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