John Costello, Jr., board certified in cardiovascular disease and internal medicine, plans to retire in December after 33 years. He reflects on what has been most important in his career: “Humility, empathy, resilience and endurance are four things that have helped me.”
Costello’s journey in medicine began 40 years ago. He grew up in rural Johnstown, Pennsylvania, but thoroughly enjoyed studying medicine in the bustling environment of Oakland. He found city life to be intriguing—meeting diverse people, being active in the Lutheran University Center and seeing people like the late Thomas E. Starzl on campus.
Over the years, whether he was directing a Cardiology Fellowship, a non-invasive lab in a community hospital, or treating patients for Veterans Affairs (VA), he has found each position to be fulfilling.
He began teaching fellows at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania, and he continues to share his wisdom with them at the outpatient VA Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. He tells them, “You never underestimate the patient/caregiver’s ability to understand their situation. It is your job to make it understandable.”
In addition to educating patients and fellows, Costello also takes time to listen and build relationships with them. For example, when he is treating veterans, he asks them questions about their service, making them feel like they are not just patients but people too.
He came back to campus recently for Health Sciences Alumni Weekend and reminisced with former classmates and colleagues at the School of Medicine brunch, and he hopes to connect with more medical school friends after he retires. He also wants to spend more time with family, add to his sports card collection and give back to Pitt Med by being a mentor and supporting scholarships for medical students.
Costello (back row, left) with his partners and nurses