Proust questionnaire: Carole Williams, MD
Dr Williams is a general practitioner in Victoria.
What profession might you have pursued, if not for medicine?
Law.
Which talent would you most like to have?
To be able to sing. If I had a great singing voice I would sing all the time just for the joy of it.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My two children, Zachary and Siri.
Who are your heroes?
A man by the name of Richard Kudo Couto (an animal rights activist), Richard Dawkins, my husband, and my late brother and my brother-in-law, both of whom taught me lessons in compassion.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Riding my horses in the back country with a good friend and my dogs.
What is your greatest fear?
Being forgotten.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Procrastination.
Which living physician do you most admire?
Dr Mike Lawrence, president of CMPA—a brilliant mind, dear friend, and mentor.
What is your favorite activity?
Working with my animals—four dogs, three cats, three horses, and a miniature donkey.
On what occasion do you lie?
When my husband asks me if those are new shoes.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“Get outta here,” or “shut up!”
Where would you most like to practise?
Hawaii.
What technological medical advance do you most anticipate?
Nanotechnology.
What is your most marked characteristic?
A very keen sense of humor.
What do you most value in your colleagues?
Their dedication and their compassion.
Who are your favorite writers?
Amy Tan, Elmore Leonard, and Wally Lamb.
What is your greatest regret?
Not being able to tell my brother how much he meant to me.
How would you like to die?
Quickly.
What is your motto?
No negatives allowed.