Outlook on Life

Editor’s note: This column has questions similar to the ones asked by James Lipton on the TV show, “Inside the Actor’s Studio.” I have “adapted” his questions to address issues in our field, and I think these questions are a nice way to “feature” a SBM member in the newsletter. Featured is: Dr. Frank Penedo, PhD, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida.

What is your favorite word?	Genuine, makes life easier.
What is your least favorite word?	Coincidence, I seldom believe in the randomness of events that otherwise seem related.
What "turns you on" or excites you about the field of Behavioral Medicine?	The incredible potential to positively impact people's well being. I feel we've only begun to scratch the surface.
What turns you off /frustrates you about the field of Behavioral Medicine?	When research findings get taken out of context and sensationalized in the general media. It oversimplifies the complexity of our field.
What sound or noise do you love?	The sound of waves washing up against the beach shore.
What sound or noise do you hate?	Landscapers at 6 AM.
What was the most unusual job (outside of Behavioral Medicine/academia) you ever had?	Tuition payment plan clerk, nothing more than a bill collector while I was an undergraduate.
What profession, other than yours, would you like to attempt?	A cultural anthropologist with a focus on comparative religion, I'm fascinated by the parallels across world religions and traditional faith systems.
What profession or job would you not like to participate in?	Any job showcased on "Dirty Jobs" in the Discovery Channel.
If Heaven exists, what would you like St. Peter to say when you arrive at the pearly gates?	"You are late, as usual." It will show he's been looking after me and knows me well.