WE ARE currently embroiled in a crisis in health care characterized by critical problems with malpractice, pressures of the 80-hour workweek regulations, and decreasing numbers of young people interested in surgery. As we face these difficult problems, we should reflect upon one of the aspects that makes surgery a great profession, namely, the long tradition of surgical mentorship. As we look forward to the future, I would like to share personal reminiscences of 3 mentors from the 20th century who affected my personal development and growth as a surgeon. Although they came from different parts of the country, they were born in the same decade and their skills as mentors link them in this great surgical tradition.