Bert Fichman from the Class of 1973 weighs in 50+ years out…

Tell us about your accomplishments. How are you on a similar or different life/career path to what you envisioned in high school? 

I am an anesthesiologist and Pain/Palliative Care specialist. It was definitely not in my vision in high school. I was not a great student, and the late sixties and early seventies were a very interesting and distracting time. I had an interest in medicine and creative arts, but no clear career path. It took me a while, and a circuitous route, to get to my career. I graduated college with a BFA in film production from NYU and then ended up in medical school.

Is there something that you’re especially proud of from your time at Franklin?

Looking back, the one thing I was especially proud of was getting an A in Dr. Seamus O’Hanlon’s AP class on James Joyce as a senior. He earned his PhD on the study of Joyce. Dr. O’Hanlon was our principal. He was a very strict, proper, and intimidating Irish gentleman who I usually met under inauspicious occasions in his office. I worked very hard in that class and thoroughly enjoyed reading and analyzing Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. Earning that grade was also a bridge to mutual respect.

What lessons/learning experiences do you still carry with you?

There are no shortcuts. Make the most of the opportunities that are presented to you. Friendships are very important. Be open and inclusive. These lessons were both learned through my positive actions, as well as mistakes made.

What advice would you give to your younger self and/or what advice would you give to current Dwight students?

Pay a little more attention to scholarly pursuits. Have fun, but don’t be stupid. Appreciate the opportunity and privilege of going to Dwight and being in New York City.