In November of 1993, I took up my new position. The dean of the medical school introduced me to my colleagues in the Department of Pathophysiology. Then it was my turn to speak to them. I summarized for them the way I wanted our clinical section and research laboratory to function. I reminded them all that my main goal was excellent and up-to-date teaching of the students and the physicians in specialty training, through first-rate hospital care for patients, plus the production of new knowledge. During that first meeting, we were all restrained and somewhat frightened, I would say me because I was feeling anxious about whether I would be able to create a more contemporary Department of Pathophysiology with a research laboratory turning out innovative work, and my colleagues because they did not know what to expect from their new director.