Dr. Phil Glick, MD is a Professor of Surgery at the University at Buffalo’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences as well as Professor of Management in UB’s School of Management. In what free time that affords him, Phil is also a volunteer for our Tool Library, and an avid amateur craftsman. You can usually find Phil at our Dare to Repair events, though we can’t promise you’ll get to see him in his signature bowtie.
What motivated you to become a volunteer at the Tool Library, and how has the experience been?
When my son Zack was moving back to WNY he was looking for a maker space and discovered The Tool Library. As soon as Covid was over we started going to Dare to Repair events. Besides fixing stuff with Zack, I really love going to all the libraries and community centers that host the Dare to Repair events; we’ve been to places I might not have visited otherwise.
Is there any overlap in your interest in the Tool Library and your work at UB or in the medical field generally?
At both places we aim to repair and make people’s lives better. At both places we make the community a better place. At both places we help people regardless of their socio-economic status. At both places I get to stretch my skills and learn from colleagues.
What’s your favorite thing to do with Tool Library tools? Do you have any DIY or repair specialties?
Fix stuff with my son Zack. I inculcated a DIY skill set into his DNA, and honestly it makes me puffy-chested. Now both Zack and I are trying to inspire my two grandchildren, his niece and nephew, to feel the same way! They get it!
Do you have any DIY or repair specialties or upcoming projects?
I have a basement shop where I always have a couple of projects in the works. Right now, I’m finishing up a present for Zack’s birthday (February 1st!). I have a 3hp variable speed powermatic lathe, and my favorite projects involve FOG (found on ground) wood. The more diseases in or on the wood, the more interesting things come out of it on the lathe. Many of my friends know about my affinity for FOG wood and bring me great pieces they find.
Is there anything you might like to learn how to do with the tools that you don’t know already?
I’m an early adopter of technology. In fact, I just got back from the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2025) in Las Vegas. I think I’m ready to bring AI into my shop – stay tuned!
How has being a volunteer impacted your perspective on the UB or Buffalo communities?
I met the Tool Library’s founder Darren Cotton when he was a UB student. I could see his passion for making UB, the University District, Buffalo and Western New York a better place. Watching him grow and watching the Too Library grow has been inspiring – good job!
If you have one, what is your favorite tool?
My lathe. And my most respected tool is my 16 inch band saw! I’m happy to say I still have all ten fingers, and I want to keep it that way!