As Vriti Advani, MD, chief resident of general surger y, confidently performs a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, Dr. John Mellinger stands on the opposite side of the table and says very little. His quiet oversight is affirmation that he has taught Dr. Advani well. John Mellinger, MD, is SIU chair of the Division of General Surgery and professor of general and endoscopic surgery. He also holds the J. Ronald Folse, MD Endowed Chair in Surgery. Chief Resident, Dr. Advani (right) scrubs in with Dr. Mellinger before surgery. Good teachers often stick in students’ minds not because of what they teach