December 17, 2025
Fresh calendars. Fresh perspectives. And a renewed sense of motivation. As 2026 begins, we asked our doctors to reflect on the goals they’re setting for the year ahead — both personally and professionally.
Here’s what they’re working toward in the year to come:
1. Play Into the Power of Music
The Resolution: Find time to play my saxophone.
The Why: It helps me work out my stress and use the other side of my brain! — Dr. David Streitman, maternal and fetal medicine specialist
2. Keep the Pests at Bay
The Resolution: Apply tick repellent when doing outdoor activities especially in summer to prevent tick bites and possibly alpha gal.
The Why: Because this carnivore can’t live off of rabbit food! — Dr. Elie Ghanem, orthopaedic surgeon
3. Tap Into the Foodie Side
The Resolution: Try a new restaurant every weekend.
The Why: Because Columbia has a lot to offer, and I want to find undiscovered gems. — Dr. Michelle Huyser, surgical oncologist
4. … And the Dessert Side
The Resolution: Burn more calories throughout the day.
The Why: So I can eat more pie. — Dr. Brett Chamberlain, pediatric and adolescent psychiatrist
5. Get Moving
The Resolution: Run and exercise five days per week (at a minimum).
The Why: I want to get ready for an upcoming triathlon, as well as shed some weight and maintain my mental health.— Dr. Steven Allen, trauma surgeon
Success Story
If you read our 2025 resolutions, you might remember last year, our neurologist, Dr. Komal Ashraf set a goal to compete on the World Championship's Powerlifting Platform. She pulled it off and competed in the Powerlifting World Championships in Argentina! Way to stick to your goals Dr. Ashraf!
Next Steps and Useful Resources
- Want more? Check out our resolutions from 2025, 2024 and 2023.
- Want some extra motivation to stick to your resolution? See our tips.
