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His professor told him he wasn’t cut out for medicine. William Mayo went on to make medical history.

Micheal Hicks
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It is the 157th birthday of someone whose life is proof that you shouldn't let the negative opinions of your professor get in the way of your ambitions.

William Mayo, half of the dynamic duo who went on to found the famed Mayo Clinic, was born this week in 1861.

Dr. Howard Markel, University of Michigan medical historian and PBS contributor, joined Stateside to tell us about his extraordinary life. 

While studying medicine the University of Michigan, one of William Mayo’s professors told him it would be wise for him to choose a career path outside medicine. But William was not to be discouraged.

After graduating medical school, William and his brother, Charlie, joined their father’s medical practice at St. Mary’s before going on to found the Mayo Clinic.

The two doctors proceeded to win many accolades in medicine, which helped the Mayo Clinic become the most recognizable brand name in medicine today.

Listen above to learn more about William, Charlie, and the legacy they left behind.

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