How a Tissue Changed My Life

Here’s the story of how a tissue in a bathroom changed the course of my life.

This week, I packed up some of the final pieces of our life in Miami (now we are truly living out of suitcases until residency graduation on June 14th)

Next stop: San Diego to start the next chapter of our lives - & to launch my dream mental health clinic, Goodman Psychiatry.

Typing those words just gave me goosebumps. Younger Jake would not believe this…

This week while cleaning on my closet in Miami, I found something in my safe that took me right back to the exact moment everything in my life changed.

It was tucked in the back of a small box: a single tissue with a name and phone number scribbled on it.

And suddenly, I was 23 again.

At the time, I had already graduated from college and was working as an ophthalmology tech. I’d applied to medical school the year before—but every school I applied to had denied me.

So I took on whatever jobs I could find. I was driving Uber. Waiting tables. Catering events—ironically, delivering food to doctors’ offices while still dreaming of becoming one myself.

Then I took a job as an ophthalmology technician to gain some more healthcare experience. One day at the ophthalmology office, I stepped out of a patient room and saw I had a missed call from a Philadelphia number.

I ducked into the bathroom, locked the door, and listened to the voicemail.

“Hi Jake, this is the dean of Thomas Jefferson University. I have something to tell you. Give me a call back at…”

I had a pen in my scrubs pocket but no paper. So I ripped a tissue from the box on the counter and wrote her number down as fast as I could, hands shaking.

When she answered, she told me, “Jake, you are accepted to medical school.”

I was speechless.

I have absolutely no idea what I said to her on that call. The shock and joy were so intense that my brain couldn’t process what was happening in real time.

After I hung up, I walked outside, laid down on the grass—and just cried.

I made it.
I was accepted to medical school.
I was going to become a doctor.
My life dream was coming true.

And somehow, I kept that tissue. A small piece of that pivotal moment. A reminder of what it took to get here.

Now, nearly a decade later, I’m just weeks away from graduating from residency and becoming a psychiatrist.

I’ll be opening Goodman Psychiatry, my integrative mental health practice—where I’ll help others pursue healing, growth, and peace with every fiber of my being. I’ll be licensed in both California and Florida, offering telehealth appointments so clients can meet with me from the comfort of their own space.

If you or someone you care about is seeking a thoughtful, personalized approach to mental health care, my waitlist is now open. I’ll begin personally reaching out to interested clients over the next few weeks.

And if you’re reading this and chasing a dream—any dream at all—please don’t give up. Your moment may be closer than you think.

Wishing you balance, health, and peace.
Dr. Jake Goodman

A Brief Thank You

Whether you’ve been with the Mental Health Movement Newsletter since January 2024 or just joined—thank you. Writing this newsletter has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey, and I’m so grateful to share it with you.

My mission is simple: to make evidence-based mental health education accessible to all. This newsletter is 100% free. For those who choose to donate—thank you. Your support goes directly into making this newsletter the best it can be.

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Thank you for reading.
I’m so grateful you’re here. Thanks for investing in your health and taking steps toward a more balanced life—we’re in this together.

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Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is based on evidence-supported research and personal experience, and is not intended to replace professional medical care. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning new treatments or making changes to your health routine. This newsletter does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees as to the completeness or accuracy of the information presented. Content is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation.