Sure, Dr. Blake Gillette is a Mayo Clinic-trained orthopedic surgeon and the surgical director at Intermountain Spanish Fork Hospital, but most people know him for his songwriting. His song, “I Will Be What I Believe,” which he wrote in 2017, is sung by primary children around the world. He also recently finished a collaborative project called “He’ll Provide a Way: True Stories from the Book of Mormon,” which is being made into a movie for future distribution. When he’s not repairing joints or writing songs, he can be found on the golf course every chance he gets.
Dealer’s choice I wake up at 4:20 a.m. and start with meditation, prayer and personal study. Then, I plunge in a local lake — even during the winter. From 5:15 to 6 a.m., I do Hybrid Fitness focus on Core, Zone 2 and Functional Movement. At 6:30 a.m., there are shoulder and knee musculoskeletal specialty meetings. Then, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., I’m in surgery (three times a week) or clinic (twice a week). At 6 p.m., it’s family time full of dinner, sports, games, TV shows, choir concerts and church. After my family goes to bed, I read, reflect and write music.
The Flop I’m surprised by how much people have loved “I Will Be What I Believe” and the fact that Latter-day Saint primaries all over the world have sung the song in their local congregations.
Hand You Were Dealt It’s a long road to becoming a skillful, proficient surgeon. It has been an arduous journey of ups and downs, feelings of inadequacy with moments of triumph, but I have learned that what I lack in raw talent or skills can be overcome with grit and perseverance along with compassion and empathy.
Go-to Game Settlers of Catan: Cities and Knights.
Preferred Playing Partner My family, because I love being with them and know their passion to play — but I also know their weaknesses.
Ace Up Your Sleeve I can do “the worm” on the dance floor.
Strongest Suit I dress like a golfer, just in case the chance arises.
The 2025 Deck I want to go to an Ohio State Buckeyes game in the Horseshoe!
Ace eats Casa Salza in Spanish Fork. I order the smothered pork chimichanga.