Setting a goal is easy enough, but knowing what it takes to get there is a little trickier.

For years, Thomas Rubino’s (Class of ’26) loftiest goal was becoming a Pitt Med student—“Ask any one of my friends growing up,” he says. Now his sights are set on becoming a leading physician, maybe a cardiologist or cardiothoracic surgeon. (Steelers season ticket holder is on the list, too.) And meaningful connections, he believes, will help him realize his aspirations, along with other hallmarks of success such as hard work and discipline. Some serendipity, like what led him into the care of a renowned surgeon several years ago, won’t hurt, either.

Having been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect after suffering a stroke, Rubino underwent open heart surgery at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh while in high school. He knew beforehand that he wanted to become a doctor but hadn’t pinned down what type. He became interested in cardiology, not only because he benefited from the care as a patient, but also because of the influence of his surgeon, Victor O. Morell, who he says, “saved my life.”

Rubino now considers Morell, an MD and chair of cardiothoracic surgery at Pitt, a mentor—one of a few he says are shaping his career path and helping him develop the skills he will need as a physician.

As the Class of 2026 representative with the Medical Alumni Association, Rubino keeps adding to his network, building on the number of physicians he’s learning from. But he doesn’t want to just take, he wants to pay it forward. He’d like to one day be a resource for up-and-coming doctors.

Morell believes that Rubino is on the right track to achieve his goals. “I’ve always agreed with the concept that you get back what you put in,” he says, calling out Rubino’s drive, energy and approachability, which will make for a good mentor and leader. Morell notes that Rubino is already making a difference, that energy and passion like his have a reciprocal effect: “I can’t say enough about Tom. His energy is contagious, and a lot of the other students and residents I mentor are the same way. That contagiousness makes you feel reenergized when you have these brand-new batteries around you every day, recharging your draining battery.”

Read more from the Winter 2024 issue.