The clever doctor, when she needs a four-year-old to open his mouth, or to take deep breaths, also asks that he...

• kick his right foot.

• wiggle his rear end.

• raise his pointer fingers alternately.

• choose a favorite ear.

She knows that the best way to get what she needs is to blend it with what the child wants, which is to have fun and to be a little silly.

You don’t get to be that kind of professional by punching the clock. You get to be that kind of professional by showing up with your whole self. Your joyful self. The best version of yourself.

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