Why do some people have turning points in their lives?

More importantly, are these moments in time something that can be created, or do they just happen?

Some people describe rock bottoms, moments of clarity or simply sheer desperation that sparks a survival instinct.

Whilst this phenomenon need not be so profound in your life, the question remains as to how we can better harness our struggles and bad circumstances as a catalyst for change.

If someone had told Bernard Toney Jr. at the tender age of 17 that the tragic loss of his dear friend, Ivan Gray, to a senseless drive-by shooting in Atlanta, would set him on a transformative path towards healing, mentorship, and leadership, he would have met their gaze with disbelief and despair.

Bernard chose to go into medicine, to ensure that he would never again feel so powerless when faced with the life and death of another human being.

From the grit and grind of Atlanta’s streets to the war-ravaged terrains of Afghanistan, his journey was far from conventional. Enlisting as a US Army medic and mental health specialist, he learned the critical importance of both physical and psychological healing. Bernard served with US Army Special Forces medics in Afghanistan, honing his skills in some of the most challenging conditions imaginable. These experiences deepened his resolve and helped him grow both personally and professionally, leading him to pursue further education as a physician assistant.

Little did Bernard know that his unique blend of experience and dedication would open doors to one of the most prestigious medical roles in the country.

From 2019 to 2022, Bernard had the immense honour of serving as a White House Medical Unit Officer, offering medical services and guidance in the nerve centre of American governance.

Bernard will be joining the show today, make sure to tune in!

Notable moments in this episode:

(02:03) - Who is Bernard 1.0 (the original version of himself)?
(22:56) - His military experience and why he hated the army
(36:05) - His career and family: why he retired from the military

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Follow Bernard Toney Jr.:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/btoneyjr
Website - https://www.lynchburg.edu/academics/faculty/bernard-toney/

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