Most physicians imagine leadership as a linear climb. But for Dr. David Marcozzi, the real ascent began when he was stuck—unsure of his path, working as an orderly, and quietly absorbing everything around him.

• Dr. Marcozzi reflects on his earliest formative role as an orderly, learning that healing is a calling—and leadership can emerge from any level of an organization.
• A surgeon’s offhand comment about his insight sparked the belief that he could become a physician, igniting a life-changing pursuit.
• His work at Ground Zero after 9/11 profoundly shaped his sense of purpose, catalyzing a two-decade career in military medicine, federal leadership, and crisis response.
• Facing initial humiliation in the U.S. Senate (despite elite credentials), he learned that humility and trust-building matter more than titles.
• During the COVID-19 crisis, he drew on lessons from combat and trauma response to lead through uncertainty, anchoring his team in preparedness and calm.
• He shares how small pauses, private emotional honesty, and a relentless drive for positive impact keep him grounded amid pressure.

This conversation reveals why leadership in healthcare demands both relentless execution and deep personal alignment—and how discomfort can be the clearest sign you’re growing.