Since graduating from the University of Otago Medical School in 1957, Eric Espiner has been at the forefront of endocrinology both in New Zealand and worldwide. He has received numerous awards and authored more than 350 peer-reviewed publications. He has also been heavily involved with training, teaching and mentoring both endocrinologists and research scientists. Now, in his tenth decade, when not dreaming of the next research project, he can be found hiking, biking or striking tennis balls. He also restores perspective through a lifelong passion for classical music of all genres.