John Scott for Esquire

John Scott is a Dallas based Board Certified Anesthesiologist, Texas Board of Regents appointee, and humanitarian at heart. A Beaumont, Texas native, John has spent his life sizing up and conquering one challenge after another, leaving his mark on the world in the form of tireless service to his community. John says he’s just a regular guy, but his friends and colleagues view him through a different lens. 

“It is because of physicians like John, that Texas continues to be a renowned destination for cutting-edge medicine,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott remarks. “His journey to becoming a physician has not been easy, but his level of commitment and motivation is reflected in his lifelong achievements.”

John’s accomplishments are driven by his desire to heal and protect others, always standing up for those who need his help. “John is someone that I can turn to for advice,” says US Congressman Michael Burgess, MD. “He is an advocate for patient-centered care, and has a track record of organizing and activating physicians across Texas to ensure that health care allows doctors to be doctors. John's zeal for advocacy guarantees Texas is better off.”

What was your childhood like?

My childhood was affected early on by the death of my mother at 9. My sister Patti became the mother and took care of my dad and myself. My father withdrew and really took it hard. I didn’t know until I was 22 that she committed suicide. My childhood happy and difficult. I turned to sports to get away- basketball, baseball, and football. I was the skinny kid with acne. I wasn’t big enough or strong enough to be first string, so I was a second-string guy. I had to get over shyness. I did have great friends and strong family support. They always loved me and gave me support. Without a loving family, childhood would have been hard. My dad was marine in Philippines in World War II. He didn’t cope with problems very well. I was never exposed to drugs and neither were my friends. Kids now a days have harder lives. When I was growing up, there were bullies, but the bullying ended at the playground or park. You didn’t have cellphones or the internet like you do now. Being bullied in the 7th grade was hardest thing I’ve ever endured. That is the reason why I have 9 black belts. I won’t back down to bullies ever again.

What is Texas in 3 sentences?

Texas is the best place in the world to live in. Strongest economy, most loyal friends and if you don’t like the weather, wait, it will change. I was born in Texas, raised in Texas and I’ll die in Texas. It one of the strongest places in the United States and maybe in the world.

As a teenager, you were seriously involved in sports – what did this experience give You?

Sports meant everything to me. It taught me motivation, desire, how to overcome diversity.

I would love to be the super star, but I was always second string and always had to work to get first string. I was always in the weight room trying to get bigger. I was always drinking the protein shakes and was the first one to practice and the last one to leave. Sports taught me to never quit. If you have dream or desire, go out and get it. Anytime I was told no, it just spurred me on and motivated me more.

There were no doctors in Your family, but You still decided to connect your life with medicine, despite the fact that many people did not support Your choice, including your parents. What helped you stay motivated? How did You know it would work?

I chose medicine because my family is from Daisetta- a small town in Texas with mainly laborers, sheriffs, mechanics, and oil field workers. I went to Hull-Daisetta schools. Only one relative besides myself went to college. That cousin went on to become a Judge. Medicine taught you about yourself. People will need you if the economy is good or bad. I saw some of the problems that my family members faced and did not want that for myself. My dad said I was too dumb- that I only cared about sports. My dad gave me the desire to show him that he was wrong. I’ve always been told I couldn’t do something. Adversity is my middle name. When I was told no, I would go around then to get to it. Sports gave me the desire not to quit. Being an American, anything is possible.

What advice can you give to adult children who are on the verge of choosing a profession or other important decision that their family does not support? What would you say to parents who are sure their child is making a mistake?

Advice to teenagers and parents- Motivation is the most important asset you can have. If you believe in yourself and work hard you can do anything to achieve your goal. Parents don’t want their kids to discouraged. If one avenue does not work, try another. Sometimes failures lead to new doors opening. If you believe in God and prayer and being in the right place at the right time, then doors will open. Also tell your kids how much you love them and believe in them. I think influencers like GaryVee, Moshe Reuven, Virgil Abloh are each great examples that you don’t need to be on a conventional route to where you are going.

During College, You started working in the physical therapy Department at St. Elizabeth's hospital in Beaumont. It was this practical, and most importantly, emotional life experience that helped you strengthen your decision to become a doctor. Don't you think that to really "try out" the profession, you must first plunge into practice? Maybe it would be easier for modern young people to make a professional choice consciously if entering a College or University was preceded by working in a practical field in the field that they are considering for themselves?

It is difficult to know ahead of time what you are actually going to do and what you are supposed to do. You can never go wrong with having a degree. Within the first two years of college you should find something that peaks your interest or an area to go into. I went into physical therapy because I wanted to see if that is what I wanted to do, and this is what enforced my decision. If becoming a physician didn’t work out, I could have done 100 other things, physical therapy, nurse, etc. I encourage everyone to get a part time job in the field that they want to work in.

Last November, You joined the Board of Regents of the University of North Texas. What are your goals and plans in this regard?

Last November I had the honor of being appointed by Governor Abbot. I was on two other boards before this appointed by Governor Abbot. It is truly a blessing to be appointed. I went to Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. Therefore, I feel that I have knowledge and expertise in the field of business. As a graduate of TCOM, I knew what it like- needs, wants, desires of the student. A regent allows me to give back, helps some other student that has the same desires I had. I feel honored to work with so many great leaders, Presidents, Chancellor, Vice Chancellor and staff. I have truly been blessed and my goal is to be the best Regent and the best leader for the future minds of North Texas.

What should a good doctor be like?

Kind, great listener, energetic, always seeking the correct answer looking for a better way, approachable, motivator, leader to be caring compassionate, understand, empathetic, available, wise, honest, loyal. Trustworthy, hardworking, dedicated, and a great role model.

Are you a religious person?

Yes. I have always had God and Jesus Christ in my life. I pray every night for my patients, my country, my family, my loved ones, animals, peace, wisdom, forgiveness of my sins and to be a better person each and every day.

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