Dooley Noted: 1/6/2016
The Person: Dr. Ilija Arar
His profession: professor of anatomy and pathology
How I know him:
I met Dr. Arar when I interviewed for the Masters in Anatomy fellowship at New York Chiropractic College. He became one of my thesis advisors and a musical jam partner for the three years I spent there.
How he’s changed me:
Dr. Arar taught me the importance of focus. He saw me through subject matter with which was hard for me to resonate, like statistics and pathology. He showed me the brilliance in explaining difficulty subjects with simplicity,
and he used the power of analogy to connect students with the material.
When we thought my thesis data had significant errors, he called me late at night to pull me into the office and go through each data point with a fine-tooth comb. He showed me that true dedication was not a 9 to 5 work commitment.
He also showed me how success is worth nothing if it is not used as a catapult for the success of others.
In the midst of all I learned about Ilija about work, he reminded me to also learn to feed my love of music, often performing with me at local clubs.
His answers to list of my questions:
Book that changed you:
“Guess How Much I love You” by Sam McBratney
Best website:
Google Scholar; It filters all of the superfluous $h*t
Biggest mentors:
My parents
Secret to success/happiness/fitness/wealth:
Having appreciated and experienced that life is truly fleeting; that we are on this earth but for a finite time and that every moment, regardless of being blissful or horrific is an unbelievable privilege.
Best advice you’ve been given:
“Your ancestor’s glory should not prevent you from winning your own”-Serbian proverb
How you can be contacted for assessments/help: iarar@nycc.edu
Honor and knowledge the people who change you.
As always, it’s your call.
-Dr. Kathy Dooley