Faculty Spotlight: From Musician to Physician Scientist
with Dr. William Goodyer

October 23, 2024

William Goodyer, MD, PhD is Assistant Professor of Pediatrics (Cardiology) who specializes in Pediatric Cardiology and Electrophysiology. Originally hailing from Montreal, Canada, Dr. Goodyer was on track to become a classical musician before volunteering at the Montreal Children’s Hospital where he was deeply impacted by this experience. Driven to better understand congenital disease, as well as tangibly improve the lives of patients through direct clinical care, he pursued a MD/PhD within the medical scientist training program (MSTP) at Stanford University. Following the completion of his clinical training at Boston Children’s hospital and Stanford, he performed his postdoctoral fellowship in the Dr. Sean Wu lab at the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute. The Goodyer lab officially opened in 2023 and leverages basic science advances towards the improved diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias in children and adults living with congenital heart disease. Please keep reading to learn a little bit more about Dr. Goodyer.

Could you give us a brief introduction on what led you to becoming a researcher and what your research is on?

I grew up in Montreal, on track to becoming a classical musician, with no interest in medicine. But while volunteering at a children’s hospital at the end of my musical training, I became fascinated by the developmental aspects of congenital disease. This curiosity led me to pivot from music to science, despite my professors’ dismay. It was a scary change, but I knew I’d regret not pursuing it. I therefore restarted my undergraduate studies in science and have been captivated ever since.

What has been the most remarkable experience in your career and how did it inform your current perspective in your work?

One of the most pivotal moments in my career happened during my undergraduate studies. As a Biology major with no research experience, I approached Dr. Monique Zetka, a developmental biologist at McGill, and asked her to take a chance on me—and she did. This opportunity changed my life. Under her mentorship, I learned the basics of science and contributed to discovering a novel protein involved in meiosis using C. elegans. That experience ignited my passion for science and would forever change the trajectory of my life.

Who do you consider your most important professional role models and why?

I’ve had many wonderful mentors, but one stands out, even though he barely knew me. When I began my MD/PhD at Stanford, I had no LGBTQ+ role models in STEM. Dr. Ben Barres, a revered neurobiology professor, became a mentor to me through his visibility and excellence. Though we only met briefly, his thoughtfulness in science and mentorship profoundly impacted my career.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone wanting to become a physician scientist, what would you say?

The path of a physician-scientist is long, and without passion, it’s easy to burn out. You must truly love what you do each day. Regularly check in with yourself to ensure that passion is still there. For me, the turning point was shifting from music to science—a decision that felt natural despite others praising my musical talent. Without self-reflection, you risk ending up in a career you’re good at but not truly happy with. Be honest with yourself and make tough decisions if needed to pursue what you genuinely want for the long term.