Mentorship is crucial during medical education and residency, and it often makes an indelible mark on who we become as physicians. When a mentor dies, it leaves an indescribable void.

My mentor's name was Dennis, but he was “Dr. S” to most of us, or “dfs,” as he signed his e-mails — a small indication of how humble and unassuming he was. Dr. S embodied the art of medicine. He practiced with joy that was contagious, and he truly listened — to his students, his care team, and especially his patients.

Dr. S had an incredible career and remained a lifelong learner. He saw patients of all ages, was certified in colposcopy and geriatric care, and rounded on patients in the hospital and on hospice until he retired. He chaired an ethics committee, led his AAFP state chapter, published often, and even pioneered a free clinic, where he continued working after retirement. He was a preceptor, ran student Balint groups to champion mental health, and conducted group visits to manage patients' chronic conditions as well as to extol the virtues of Tai Chi for aging gracefully. For his dedication, he was inducted into the national Gold Humanism Honor Society and named AAFP Family Physician of the Year. To me, he was unstoppable, a simply amazing human being, physician, and friend. And then, he died.