Renowned heart surgeon and former CEO and President of the Cleveland Clinic also struggled with dyslexia.
Cosgrove knew he wanted to become a surgeon at the very early age of eight after seeing a photograph of a surgeon in the operating room. Although he was very bright, he found reading and writing to be a challenge throughout grade school. He went on to attend Williams College where he worked very hard but still earned three D-minuses and one D. Yet, that didn’t deter him from applying to 13 medical schools where he gained acceptance to only one, the University of Virginia.
The beginning of medical school also proved to be a challenge for Cosgrove similarly to previous stages of his academic journey. He recalls the feeling of having to work harder than others while still receiving ‘mediocre’ grades. However, he excelled once he got into the clinical side of his coursework.
He then went on to serve in the Vietnam War where he offered free clinical services to local civilian residents. After serving, he completed his surgical residency and eventually became the President of the Cleveland Clinic. His story serves as an example that being dyslexic does not prevent success.
YOU CAN READ MORE ABOUT HIS STORY HERE.