John Janikas, M.D. ’96

What did you do during your time at EC?
I played Men’s Varsity Basketball for four years and was an Orientation Leader for three years. I was also inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.

What have been the highlights of your career?
The highlight of my career is being the Director of Emergency Medicine at my hospital. I have been given the privilege of leading a team of incredible physicians who care for and impact the lives of people in our community each day.

Which experience best prepared you for your career?
Both the athletic and academic departments at EC helped prepare me for my career as an Emergency Medicine physician. The coaching staff trained me in responsibility, teamwork, and discipline. As a scholar-athlete, I had to balance a full schedule and develop solid time management skills, which proved to be crucial as I transitioned into my postgraduate education. The science faculty, particularly Dr. Larry Stephens and Dr. Pierre Bouthyette, shaped my critical thinking and drive for self-study. I did not fully appreciate the lessons I learned from them until I had graduated and found myself competing with and excelling against Ivy League educated students in medical school.