We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Justin Houman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Justin below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Justin with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
As a urologist who owes my foundation to my hardworking, immigrant parents, I can say without a doubt that my work ethic is a direct legacy of their enduring spirit and unwavering determination. My parents’ journey to this country was filled with obstacles, yet they faced each challenge with resilience and a steadfast belief in the power of hard work. They came seeking a better future, not just for themselves but more importantly for their children, and this vision was the cornerstone of our family’s ethos.
Growing up, I watched them navigate a new world with courage and tenacity. They took on jobs that were physically exhausting and mentally demanding, often juggling multiple roles to ensure our family’s needs were met. Their days started before dawn and ended well after sunset, yet they never complained. Instead, they focused on the bigger picture – a better future for our family. This tireless dedication was not just a means of survival; it was a profound lesson in the values of persistence, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of goals.
Their example was a living lesson that hard work is the key to overcoming obstacles and achieving one’s dreams. This philosophy became ingrained in me from an early age. I saw education and career not just as opportunities, but as responsibilities – to honor the sacrifices my parents made and to make the most of the opportunities they worked so hard to provide.
In my pursuit of a career in urology, these lessons have been invaluable. The path to becoming a medical professional is fraught with challenges, requiring not just intellectual acumen but also an extraordinary commitment to hard work and continuous learning. Throughout medical school, my residency, and now in my practice, the principles instilled in me by my parents have been my guiding light. Their ethos taught me that patience, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence are essential in both learning and practicing medicine.
Furthermore, this work ethic extends beyond personal achievement. It informs how I interact with my patients. I approach each case with diligence and compassion, understanding that every patient deserves the highest standard of care. This commitment to excellence is a way of honoring my parents’ legacy – a legacy of hard work, sacrifice, and the belief that through dedication, one can make a meaningful difference in the world.
In essence, my work ethic is a mosaic of the values, experiences, and lessons from my parents. It is a tribute to their journey, their struggles, and their unyielding hope for a better future. Their example has not only shaped my professional journey but also the core of who I am as a medical practitioner and as a person. Every day, in every patient I treat, and in every challenge I face, their spirit and their lessons continue to guide and inspire me.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
We are a comprehensive Men’s Health clinic focused on improving men’s sexual performance, fertility optimization, and hormone management. Men rarely talk about infertility and erectile dysfunction with their physicians, sometimes due to embarrassment and ostensible taboo. We want our clinic to be an outlet to men who are uncomfortable engaging in these discussions with their physicians. Since we specialize in Men’s Health, there is no topic that is too awkward or embarrassing. We love engaging in these topics and helping men achieve their sexual and reproductive goals.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Resilience: One of the most vital qualities that shaped my journey is resilience. In the face of numerous challenges, both personal and professional, the ability to persevere has been crucial. The medical field is inherently demanding, with long hours, high-pressure situations, and a constant need for critical decision-making. There were moments of doubt and failure, but resilience, a trait I inherited from my parents, allowed me to push through these challenges. It’s not just about bouncing back from setbacks, but also about growing from them, learning, and moving forward with a stronger, more determined mindset.
Empathy and Communication Skills: As a physician, particularly in a field like urology that often deals with sensitive and personal health issues, empathy and communication skills are indispensable. The ability to understand and relate to a patient’s experience, to provide comfort, and to communicate complex medical information in a clear and compassionate manner is crucial. These skills help in building trust and rapport with patients, which is essential for effective treatment and care. Additionally, these skills are vital in collaborating with other healthcare professionals, ensuring that patient care is holistic and coordinated.
Lifelong Learning: Medicine is a field that is constantly evolving, with new research, technologies, and treatments emerging regularly. Having a strong foundation in the sciences and a commitment to lifelong learning has been essential. This not only involves staying updated with the latest advancements in urology but also understanding the broader medical sciences to provide comprehensive care. The ability to assimilate new information, adapt to new technologies, and continually expand my knowledge base has been fundamental in providing the best possible care to my patients.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me, which profoundly influenced my path to becoming a urologist, was their unwavering emphasis on the value of education. From a very young age, they instilled in me the belief that education was the key to unlocking a world of opportunities, a belief deeply rooted in their own experiences as immigrants.
My parents sacrificed a great deal to provide me with educational opportunities they never had. They worked tirelessly to ensure that I could attend good schools and have access to resources that would foster my intellectual growth. This wasn’t just about academic learning; it was about cultivating a mindset geared towards lifelong learning and curiosity. They viewed education not just as a route to a better career but as a fundamental pillar for a fulfilling life.
More than just encouraging academic excellence, they taught me to appreciate the broader value of education: critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to adapt to new challenges and situations. They made sure that I understood education was a privilege, one that came with the responsibility to use it not just for personal gain but to make a positive impact in the world.
Their dedication to my education had a ripple effect on my personal and professional development. It guided me through rigorous academic training in medicine and continues to drive my commitment to staying abreast of the latest advancements in urology. It’s this foundational emphasis on education that has been the most impactful and enduring gift from my parents, shaping me into the physician and individual I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://houmanmd.com/
- Instagram: @Justin.Houman.MD https://www.instagram.com/justin.houman.md
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JustinHoumanMD/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/justin-houman-md
- Twitter: @JustinHoumanMD https://twitter.com/JustinHoumanMD/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/jhouman
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/justin-houman-md-los-angeles-6
