To Dr. Dobson
Photography by Confluence
Dr. Dobson, if you’re reading this, thank you.
Going through medical school in this day and age, we are given so many tools to succeed. There’s third party resources that expertly walk through physiology and pathology, applications with specialized algorithms for memorization, and tried-and-true mnemonics passed from one class to the next. The resources we have at our fingertips to learn and understand are infinite, and perhaps the one of the most impactful resources I had throughout these four years was you - a mentor who truly believed in me, listened to me, and was a cheerleader in every sense of the word.
In some ways, medical school can feel like a series of 10 foot walls you have to scale. Each day you wake up and there’s a fresh new wall for you to climb, without hand or foot holds, and sometimes there’s a voice shouting at you that there’s no way you can climb this particular wall, and even if you do, you’re not going to be able to keep climbing these walls every day for 4 years - oh and sometimes it’s pouring rain. Having you in my corner – a mentor who has been there and who is on the other side – making me feel like I can do it has made all the difference in the world.
Dr. Dobson, if you’re reading this, thank you for believing in me. Thank you for the hours spent in your office or in your Zoom room. Thank you for the advice and sounding board you’ve given me as I navigated the maze of medical school. Thank you for treating me as a person, and not just a student. Finally, thank you for giving so much of yourself to us. There is no way to measure the impact a teacher has on the next generation of physicians, but we hope this letter helps you feel our gratitude all the same.
Alexandra Lawlor,
IfYoureReadingThis Founder & President, KCU Class of 2025
Dr. Dobson, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the incredible impact you’ve had on my journey through medical school. Your positivity is absolutely contagious. Every time I see you, you’re radiating encouragement, hope, and genuine care—and it never goes unnoticed. You have this incredible way of uplifting those around you, and it’s made such a difference in how I view myself and my capabilities. You’ve given me the confidence to chase after my goals without fear, and I truly don’t think I’d be where I am today without your support and belief in me. It’s clear how deeply you care for all of us students at KCU. You pour so much heart into your work—not just as a mentor, but as someone who genuinely wants to see us all thrive. That kind of dedication and kindness is rare, and it’s a true blessing to have you as part of our school and faculty. Thank you for being such a bright light in this challenging journey. Your energy, wisdom, and unwavering encouragement mean more than I can put into words.
Amyah Campbell, KCU Class of 2027
If you're reading this, the words thank you cannot do enough justice. You’ve been a true beacon of mentorship throughout my time in medical school. From day one of MOD, your support, guidance, and commitment to student success have made a lasting impact on me. You’ve always gone above and beyond—not just to teach us, but to prepare us for what comes next, whether it was tackling boards, stepping confidently into clinical rotations, or thinking critically as future physicians. Your ability to break down complex topics, make space for questions, and offer honest, thoughtful advice has been invaluable. But what stands out the most is how deeply invested you are in every student’s growth. It’s clear that you do this work because you truly care. You've been an amazing resource, advocate, and role model—not just for me, but for so many of us. Thank you for everything you’ve done to help me succeed. I feel incredibly lucky to have learned from you.
Max Smith, KCU Class of 2025
Hi Dr. Dobson, Thank you is not nearly enough. You are an incredible physician, teacher, and father. I genuinely look up to you. You embody qualities that I believe most individuals need to adopt. You have an incredible dedication towards helping others and it is quite admirable. I'm not sure how you're able to do it all, but I know that it cannot always be easy. Thank you for all the sacrifices that you've made, the hidden ones and the visible ones. I hope that we can continue to chat throughout the years. Kind regards,
Jas Chahal, KCU Class of 2027
Dear Dr. Dobson, Thank you so much for believing in me before I believed in myself and for being such a steady, thoughtful mentor over the years. Your support, guidance, and the countless conversations we’ve shared have meant more to me than I can say. From talking through a car accident to spending hours talking about research to me ranting about seemingly nothing- you’ve listened and shared much laughs with me. You’ve set an incredible example of what it means to lead with both strength and compassion, and I feel incredibly lucky to have learned from you. I’m deeply grateful for the time and care you’ve invested in me. “Remember to stop and smell the flowers”. With MUCH love,
Hason Khan, KCU Class of 2025
Dr. Dobson, thank you so much for being such an outstanding mentor, advisor, and professor. The care you have for your students is so evident in every conversation you hold, and I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to meet you during medical school. Anytime anyone describes a difficult moment in their journey of medical school, your name never fails to be mentioned as someone to go to as a resource or for support. Thank you for your dedication and unwavering support of all students throughout any part of our journeys. I truly wouldn't be where I am today without your support.
Alexa Geist, KCU Class of 2027
Dr. Dobson, You’ve touched the lives of so many medical students during your time at KCU, including mine. While you were never officially my advisor, I always considered you my unofficial one—you were easy to talk to, always available, and consistently offered thoughtful advice and guidance every step of the way. I genuinely looked forward to our check-in chats—getting to update you on my rotations and residency applications, catching up on life, and sharing both the highs and the lows. Thank you for keeping me grounded these past few years and for always keeping your door open—not just to me, but to everyone. So many KCU students have been lucky to have had such an incredible professor who fights for them, guides them, and shows up for them. It truly takes a village to get to where I am now, and I’m so grateful you were a part of mine. Thank you for everything you do for us.
Lauren E, KCU Class of 2025
Dr. Dobson, Thank you for always being the best listening ear and for cheering me on whenever I doubted myself! Your passion for teaching and genuine care for students shines bright and I hope I'm able to carry this with me throughout my career in medicine! I still remember you wearing a white coat to one of the first path lectures of 2nd year and saying 'Medicine is so much fun, I can't wait to call you all my colleagues one day!' and now here we are, about to graduate in a few weeks and joining your ranks as physicians! Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts for being the best teacher, mentor and cheerleader we could have asked for - I hope we make you proud! :)
Komal Jafarani, KCU Class of 2025
Hi Dr. Dobson! When I look back at medical school, you will always be someone that represents a true mentor. Besides the personal connections you make with students, the way you taught us as future doctors was impactful beyond what you think. You’ve made medical education more than just transferring knowledge to students. You’ve made it a way to inspire thought, empathy, and critical thinking when approaching our profession. I have no doubt that the way you taught me was instrumental in my path to residency. I hope you know how much of an impact you make on students and how your lessons weave into the medical practice of many generations of physicians. Thank you!
Ariana Ambrosio, KCU Class of 2025
My greatest supporter. I am incredibly grateful to have a mentor who has consistently been there to uplift and encourage me throughout this journey. I can’t thank him enough for the invaluable advice he shares every time we meet. He is always available to his students, no matter the time of day. It’s truly refreshing to catch up with Dr. Dobson and share what’s going on in life. If there’s anyone on the faculty who genuinely wants the best for their students, it’s him. Thank you for caring Dr. Dobson. We love you!
Arpita Patel, KCU Class of 2026
Thank you for being there to support your students through every struggle in medical school and being the very best advocate and cheerleader. Because of you I felt like I could make it through any obstacle that med school or life threw at me. You go above and beyond for all of your students and we are so incredibly grateful to have someone as incredible as you to look up to, Dr. Dobson.
Sam Currier, KCU Class of 2025
A good mentor hopes you will move on. A great mentor knows you will. Dr. Dobson not only teaches medicine but lives it with a warmth and wisdom that makes students feel at home. He uplifts with compassion, and believes in our potential. He has created a space where it’s safe to grow, to ask questions, and make mistakes, allowing growth. So grateful for Dr. Dobson!
Mera Zaki, KCU Class of 2027
Dear Dr. Dobson, thank you so much for always caring about the students at KCU. When I felt lost during boards, I went to you for help and you didn’t disappoint. You helped me feel confident in my decision making and created a safe space for my questions and concerns. You’ve been a safe haven for students who are worried about their futures and have always expressed interest in helping others. You are an amazing mentor and professor and I am so happy I met you at KCU and that you impacted my journey.
Nafia Ali, KCU Class of 2025
Dr. Dobson, I can’t put into words how much you mean to me or how much you have taught me. You always know what to say and your encouragement through the grueling process that is medical school is unmatched. I would not be here without you. I appreciate you and everything you have done for me more than you will ever know! Thank you for everything.
Annie Konrad, KCU Class of 2025
Dr. Dobson, thank you so much for your commitment to the success of the students at KCU. Your passion and energy for medicine is contagious, and I always looked forward to coming to your lectures. You have a special ability to make each of us students feel recognized and appreciated, as well as confident that we are capable of making it through the challenging path we are on. Everyone needs a Dr. Dobson in their medical school journey. :) Thank you for your dedication to helping us reach our goals.
Mimi (Malea) Bradley, KCU Class of 2027
Dr. Dobson, Thank you for being a one of a kind mentor. Conversations in your office were invaluable to me with your wisdom and guidance during preclinical years. My friend group always loved talking to you over lunch or seeing you for a coffee in the admin building. Eventually that guidance turned into emails while we were no longer on campus, but you still managed to offer support no matter the distance. You have truly been an exemplary teacher and friend to so many impacting so many lives. Thank you for all your kindness!
Tillie Schumann, KCU Class of 2025
Dr. Dobson, Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and reality check throughout our medical journey. You went from professor to mentor to friend so quickly and I appreciate our friendship to this day. Always someone I’m happy to talk to and bounce ideas off of. Thank you for all you do and the things you do behind the scenes! Much love!
Tejas Patel, KCU Class of 2024
Hey Dr. Dobson, words can’t express how grateful I am to have you as a mentor. Your compassion and understanding is something I will cherish truly for the rest of my life. You have helped me in some of the most pivotal points in my career and I just want to say thank you.
Miranda Kennedy, KCU Class of 2027
Dr. Dobson, you are an amazing professor and mentor. You’re my go to guy and I always look forward to working together. I cannot express my gratitude for you and all of your help with everything. Thank you for your wisdom and support! Talking to you always leaves me feeling thankful!
Jessey Manison, KCU Class of 2027
Dr. Dobson has been one of my favorite professors here at KCU. He not only pushes us as a pathology professor, but is also a phenomenal mentor to any and all students. And his dedication to mentorship for his students is not just sequestered to academics.You can go to him with any problem under the sun of medicine, and he will either give you exactly the answer you need or send you to the right person to do so. I will miss getting to chat with him on campus, but it is reassuring to know that I will always have someone like Dr. Dobson in my corner!
Jackson Kadowaki, KCU Class of 2027
Thank you for always being a source of encouragement and reminding us to look for the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for listening to our concerns and being honest in your responses, even if it’s not what we want to hear. And thank you for challenging us, because we will ultimately all be better physicians because of what we learned from you.
Abby, KCU Class of 2027
Dr. Dobson, we have had many conversations over the years, and it has been such a pleasure to enjoy the light you bring everyday. You have been a stronghold when we needed it, the encouragement when we didn't think the possibilities would be there, and the one to celebrate loud when our achievements inevitably arrived. You had a million mentees at any given moment, and yet I always felt special and heard. To put it quite bluntly-- YOU ARE THE BEST!!
Diana Mantilla, KCU Class of 2026
Dr. Dobson having you as a mentor and a professor will be one of my fondest KCU memories. Thank you for taking your time out to genuinely care for the student's wellbeing and future.
Jagjot Dhingra, KCU Class of 2025
Thank you so much for guiding me through my path to pathology!!! I wouldn’t have my passion for the field without your support and teachings.
Kirt, KCU Class of 2025
Hi Dr. Dobson, thank you for your time and patience in answering my questions in exploring pathology specialty and I will continue to seek your mentorship along my journey of medicine.
Youya, KCU Class of 2027
I wanted to thank you for the impact that you’ve had on my medical journey so far. You have always shot it straight with me, you constantly challenge us as a whole, and you obviously care about our success. You’ve been the PI on multiple projects that I’ve done which has helped me learn about the research process. Thank you Dr. Dobson, you are a great mentor and a great person!
Austin Beahm, KCU Class of 2027
Hey Dr Dobson, lot to say but typing out won't be the same. Just wanna say you've been an awesome mentor and person. Although lectures and exams were difficult haha, I truly appreciated your honest and continuous effort.
Shaufe, KCU Class of 2027
Thank you so much for your input and advice regarding boards and didactic years! You have been so kind and always willing to talk with students about anything. I really do appreciate that you always remember our names and make it a point to make connections with students. You have truly made my time here much more enjoyable!
Camryn Russell, KCU Class of 2027
Dr. Dobson, thank you so much for all the work you put into helping your students succeed! You are such an insightful and fun professor to talk to!
Anonymous, KCU Class of 2027
Thank you Dr. Dobson for your kindness, positivity and support!
Beeran Jethwa, KCU Class of 2027
Thank you, Dr. Dobson, for your unwavering support and guidance—your mentorship has truly made a positive difference in my med school journey!
Megan Johnstone, KCU Class of 2028
Thank you for always being so encouraging and enthusiastic! Your positivity is a breath of fresh air among all the stressors of med school, and we truly appreciate you!
Kaley Hildebrand, KCU Class of 2028
Dr. Dobson has been someone who I know is always willing to help. He’s always willing to be a mentor to students and advocate for them. He’s someone, that as students, we need more of.
Alexis Ortega, KCU Class of 2027
If you’re reading this and you are someone in any position of power, I want you to know how much mentorship matters and hope this letter encourages you to take a student under your wing. Mentorship in medical training is essential for professional and personal development. A strong mentor can help students develop resilience, critical thinking, confidence, and ethical decision-making. Mentors can open doors to research opportunities, networking opportunities, and leadership roles, all of which can make tremendous differences in a student's trajectory. Mentorship can also offer invaluable emotional support, as medical training can be stressful and, at times, overwhelming. Long hours, high expectations, and emotionally taxing experiences can contribute to burnout and mental health struggles in medical trainees. A mentor serves as a source of reassurance, reminding us we are not alone.
In the words of my first mentor and someone who has made a profound impact on my life, “Lift as you climb” -Dr. Cameron Webb.
Alexandra Lawlor,
IfYoureReadingThis Founder & President
Several studies have revealed that medical students, physicians, and healthcare professionals experience mental health symptoms at rates significantly higher than the general population. Stethos[Cope] is a chapter of IfYoureReadingThis designed to help medical students and professionals cope with the unique stressors of medical training and change the narrative of mental health in medicine.
To read more letters and interviews from students, and to learn more about mental health in the medical community, visit the Stethos[Cope] home page.