**A Voyage Through Hardship: From Close to Death to Fresh Beginnings**

Sepsis represents a formidable and life-threatening ailment that can result in multi-organ failure, pushing individuals to the edge of death. For this internal medicine practitioner, overcoming such a significant health ordeal became a pivotal moment in his personal story. With unwavering determination, he rebounded from the brink and reignited his enthusiasm for the profession he cherished.

As the course of life altered, the urge to educate presented a new chance. The student clinic became a revival, providing the opportunity to observe shy M1s (first-year medical students) evolve into confident and compassionate M3s (third-year medical students). There was sheer delight in being a physician, sharing knowledge, and healing those seeking help. The realization dawned: it was not time yet.

Within the classroom, the pure joy of light bulbs illuminating in small groups delivered fulfillment. Engaging with intelligent, empathetic young individuals assured the future of medicine remained bright. It was not time yet.

Another significant health challenge, achalasia along with an infected diverticulum, resulted in considerable weight loss and extensive surgery. Despite a prolonged recovery, support from students and family bolstered the feeling: it was not time yet.

At an age requiring medical and cognitive assessments, uncertainties emerged. The demanding process, centered around cognition, instigated concern. What if he did not succeed? Nevertheless, the resolve to continue proved to be mightier: it was not time yet.

Difficult days were softened by kind evaluations, hospital experiences that reconnected him with former students, and heartfelt notes from past mentees. These instances reassured him: it was not time yet.

The unchanged demeanor of students allowed him to feign that age was irrelevant, while his mind embraced new insights. Stories shared and still evolving reassured him: it was not time yet.

The chance to share wisdom and the acknowledgment of humanism filled his heart with happiness. The temptation of retirement lingered daily, but the enchantment of medicine, the influence on students, and the simple joy of work repeatedly affirmed: it is not time yet.

*John F. McGeehan is an internal medicine physician.*