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I still remember the first time my dad explained his pre‑flight checklist. He shared some of the items with me: “Instruments check. Fuel quantity check. Weather briefing confirmed. Exterior visual check.” It felt almost ceremonial—methodical, purposeful, adding some calm into the midst of what could have been pre-flight chaos. To many people, that might have seemed like just one more routine before taking off, but I saw a man who believed that being prepared wasn’t just a good idea—it was the only way to live and lead.

My dad started flying in the Air Force, and then shifted into work in the commercial space, flying for Western and Delta Airlines over many years, and many hundreds of safe flights, without ever having an incident. He lived his life by checklists, by flow charts, by “if‑then” logic. If the weather changed, then we divert. If engine warning light comes on, then that protocol applies. If communication fails, then alternate channel engaged. His world of aviation taught him that when you have high stakes, when the margin for error is small, preparation isn’t optional. It’s mandatory. And the grace with which he handled that complexity—while still keeping his sense of humor, humility and calm—is one of the greatest lessons I carry with me.

Today I want to pay tribute to him, but also to bring you into his mindset—and to show how that mindset matters hugely in physician practices and medical group operations. Because the same principles of preparation, structure, branching logic and options that keep an aircraft safe on takeoff, cruise and landing also keep a medical practice thriving, resilient and mission‑aligned.

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