Conversations from the Leather Lounge: Michael Greaser, M.D., ‘08, Evan Meeks, M.D., ‘08 and Matthew Camarillo, M.D.,‘08

What is your fondest memory of your time at McGovern Medical School?

Camarillo: My fondest memory is match day where I found out where I would be going for residency. With all of my classmates and family present in the courtyard, the excitement of receiving my letter and to know I would be staying in Houston for the next five years is something I will always remember. A second great memory was Dr. Duke giving our commencement speech.

Greaser: The medical school retreat was one my greatest memories of McGovern Medical School.  The retreat was such an amazing way to get to know all of your classmates.  I think the weekend totally embodies the feel and purpose of McGovern Medical School.  There are very few medical schools with such a strong atmosphere of camaraderie.

Meeks: The white coat ceremony and graduation were great memories because my family was present and proud.  At school the best times were at the end of block test week when we could all blow off steam together over the weekend.

What are your hopes for today’s McGovern Medical School students?

Camarillo:  My hope for students is that they cherish their time in medical school seeking out knowledge and mentorship. Medical school is the foundation for the rest of your career, my hope is that they establish a sense of confidence and integrity moving forward and positively impact their study of medicine.

Greaser: I hope that they will cherish the experience.  While the daily grind of medical school is a lot of work, it really should be a fun experience as well.  The memories, friends and experiences that you have during your four years of medical school will be some of your greatest.

Meeks: I hope that today’s students use the school’s resources and growing reputation to reach out to all areas of the country/world pursuing any and all goals, interests, and aspirations.  Along the way I hope that they continue to increase McGovern Medical School’s footprint and influence in healthcare and helping people.

What inspires you?

Camarillo: Working with patients and families and having the opportunity to enhance those lives in the community. My wife and family inspire me every day to be a better man, husband, son and doctor.

Greaser: My kids inspire me every day.  Being a good example and role model for my children is extremely important, and my children inspire me to be the best man I can be.

Meeks: My family, friends, colleagues, teachers, and my oath all inspire me in different ways to take care of patients in the right way even when it may be inconvenient or take time away from the ones I love.

What skill is most vital to your job?

Camarillo: Communication. It is imperative that you have the ability to communicate the plan of care and treatment options to patients and families. Communication is crucial, not only to meet their physical needs but emotional and psychological needs as well. Communication with my office team, colleagues, administrators and operating room staff is also very important to maintain and provide the best care for patients and families.

Greaser: Time management.  I work in multiple locations, and at times it seems like I am spending a significant portion of my day driving from one hospital to another.  You really have to learn how to manage your time effectively when you are working in multiple locations.

Meeks: Listening

What music is on your iPod/iPhone?

Camarillo: George Strait… and anything country.

Greaser: My iPhone is crazy.  You will find anything from Robert Earl Keen Jr. to Taylor Swift on my playlists.

Meeks: 90s/00s rap, country, rock, EDM, house

What is the one thing you can’t live without and why?

Camarillo: My wife and family. They are my rock and have always supported me throughout my entire training. And chocolate chip cookies.

Greaser: My family is my rock.  I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.  They have made a lot of sacrifices along the way so that I can do what I love.

Meeks: My wife and kids.  They keep me grounded and help me to realize what is important in life.

What fulfills you most?

Camarillo: My Christian faith. It has always guided to in the correct path and to do the right thing even when it is not the easiest path.

Meeks: At home:  watching my kids learn and grow….At work:  helping patients get back to pre- injury activity whether that is a specific sport, exercise, or just normal activity after an accident.

Who would you most like to meet (alive or deceased) and why?

Camarillo: My grandmother. She passed away before I was born. I have always heard stories about her and the values she passed on to my mother are the values that my mother taught me.

Greaser: I think it would be awesome to meet Steve Jobs.  There are few people in our lifetime that have effected so much change in our day-to-day lives.  I would love to hear his take on the mobile revolution that has unfolded over the last decade, and find out how we can translate some of this technology into the healthcare system in order to improve efficiency and patient care.

Meeks: Granville Miller, my grandfather, my namesake and Vince Lombardi

What has been your greatest adventure?

Camarillo: My greatest adventure was my second year of residency when a group of us traveled to Haiti after the earthquake. We took over a hospital outside of Port au Prince and delivered orthopedic and medical care there for a week. I had never been to a place that even lacked running water. To see people who had lost everything but came together to help each other was amazing. It was a very rewarding experience.

Greaser: In our 5th year of residency we had an opportunity to work in the National Health System in England for three months.  This was an amazing experience to work in another country’s health system and to learn from our colleagues in England. It also makes for a pretty good adventure as most of us brought our families over with us and had an opportunity to travel around Europe.

Meeks: I’m in it every day.

What is your favorite word?

Camarillo: Yes. Saying yes to everything with your whole heart is the best way to invite experience, adventure and possibility into your life.

Greaser: Family

Meeks: Dada…said by my daughter

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