# Ep. 204 - Dr. Craig Yorke: I Was Raised to be Perfect

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/stories-from-real-life-6457238/ep-204-dr-craig-yorke-i-was-raised-to-be-perfect
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/stories-from-real-life-6457238/ep-204-dr-craig-yorke-i-was-raised-to-be-perfect.md
Podcast: [Stories from Real Life](https://stenobird.com/podcast/stories-from-real-life-6457238)
Published: 2026-05-26T08:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://storiesfromreallife.substack.com/p/ep-204-dr-craig-yorke-i-was-forced
Audio file: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/198124360/8f46bb752bb9c1610949351e585fda3b.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/stories-from-real-life-6457238/episodes/ep-204-dr-craig-yorke-i-was-raised-to-be-perfect
Duration seconds: 2402

## Resource

Discover the compelling journey of Dr. Craig Yorke, a Black neurosurgeon, author of Steep , as he reflects on his experiences growing up in Boston, navigating racial identity, and the nuances of success in a demanding profession. This episode offers insights into overcoming societal pressures, the importance of memory and history, and the lessons learned from decades in medicine. In this episode, we discuss: * The distinction between resume virtues and obituary virtues, and how Dr. Yorke shifted his focus midlife * The rarity of Black neurosurgeons and his experience moving from Boston to Kansas * The influence of Dr. Yorke’s parents and their long-term impact on his life and career * The weight of surgical outcomes, grief, and the mental resilience required in neurosurgery * How cultural and social history are woven into his personal narrative and medical journey * The meaning behind the cover art of Steep , inspired by Ramon E. Cajal’s neuroanatomical drawings * The importance of understanding historical context for both Black and white readers * Lessons on humility, control, and compassion for physicians and parents alike * A heartfelt reflection on how his family celebrated his achievements, and the significance of his parents witnessing his success * Dr. Yorke's website * Media Well Done, LLC * Stories from Real Life Get full access to Melvin E. Edwards at storiesfromreallife.substack.com/subscribe

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## Transcript

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