Will To, O.D., traveled an incredible 98,017 miles in 2017.

Otherwise known as #TheTravelingOD, Dr. To sets out across the country, providing career consulting services and speaking with optometry students and new grads about the state of the industry and how to prosper in a time of constant change.

Dr. To also holds advisory roles in the Student Optometric Leadership Network and The Vision Council’s Young Professionals Club, plus serves as a Transitions Optical change agent. He even founded his own media company (TheTravelingOD Media Group) last year, and fills in at Optical Illusions of San Jose. Here, he shares his 7 mantras for health + happiness.

—Kerri Ann Raimo

1. Nothing is more important than YOUR HEALTH and happiness.
2. DON’T EVER FEEL LIKE YOU NEED TO FOLLOW A TEMPLATE OF WHAT YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO DO.
3. UTILIZE A DESIGN-BASED APPROACH TO PATIENT CARE that focuses on people-centricity and empathy both in and outside the exam room.
4. THERE ISN’T ONE WORLD, there are 7 billion perceptions of it. Traveling allows you to see the world through different perspectives and to grow as a human being.
5. LIFE CAN GET STRESSFUL, SO IT’S IMPORTANT TO SET ASIDE TIME FOR YOUR OWN MENTAL HEALTH.
6. When we all graduated optometry school, WE FELT LIKE SUPERHEROES AND WERE READY TO SAVE THE WORLD. Never lose that mentality.
7. DO GOOD IN THE WORLD.

For a look at Dr. To’s travels in the U.S. and abroad, follow @TheTravelingOD on Instagram or visit drwillto.com .