Exercise Self-Discipline

In the words of former U.S. President Calvin Coolidge, "Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is if full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." Dr. Francisco Bucio serves as a fine example of someone that possesses the self-discipline to ‘press on.'

In 1982, Dr. Francisco Bucio graduated from the México University U.N.A.M. He then enrolled in a five-year residency training program specializing in plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgery at the prestigious General Hospital in México City. On September 19, 1985, the young doctor's world shattered into pieces as one of the largest earthquakes in Mexican history, measuring 8.1 on the Richter Scale, hit Mexico City and killed more than 4,000 people. Dr. Bucio was on the hospital's fifth floor when the earthquake hit.

When the earthquake stopped Dr. Bucio found himself on the ground floor buried under debris and surrounded by darkness. Eventually rescue workers found Bucio buried in the rubble but his hand was stuck so much that they wanted to cut it off so they could free him. Realizing his dream to be a surgeon, his family asked the workers do everything they can to free Bucio without cutting off his hand. It would take four days but the workers eventually got him out of the building and saved his hand.

When Bucio arrived at the hospital, however, doctors realized that there was so much nerve damage that they were forced to amputate four fingers, leaving only his thumb. Realizing his dream would be lost if he could not use both his hands, Bucio set out to find someone to help. He found what he was looking for when he met Dr. Harry Buncke, Chief of Microsurgery at Davies Medical Center in San Francisco.

In December 1985 Dr. Buncke and a surgical team removed Bucio's second toes, complete with arteries, tendons and nerves and attached the toes to the stump of the sheared hand as the ring and pinkie fingers. "The intricate connections for the blood vessels and nerves were made in a 14.5 hour operation performed under microscopes."

For the next several months Buciio demonstrated the highest level of self-discipline as he underwent intense rehabilitation. He swam to build up his endurance and practiced typing for strengthening his hand. He tied knots and diced food into small pieces. He had the self-discipline to even teach himself to become ambidextrous so that he could rely on his left hand more.   He did whatever you could do to get this hand back in shape for surgery.

Six weeks after the surgery he was able to sign his name. His disciplined approach to therapy allowed him to return to Mexico City and go back to work at the hospital again. Initially he performed minor tasks but over time was able to assist in operations.

Dr. Francisco Bucio is currently a practicing plastic surgeon in Tijuana, Mexico, performing a full range of plastic surgery procedures with both of his hands.

Questions To Ask Yourself

• Faced with a set-back, Dr. Bucio maintained a high level of self-discipline required to do the physical work of a surgeon.  When faced with a challenge, what level of selfdiscipline do you maintain?
• When have you exhibited a high level of self-discipline in your life?
• When have you not exhibited a high level of self-discipline in your life?
• What role do you think self-discipline plays in helping you achieve your dream?
• What do you think requires more self-discipline in your life right now that could help you move one step closer to achieving your dream?