A powerful real-world example of deep thinking and problem-solving comes from Dr. Bill Foege, the epidemiologist who pioneered a groundbreaking strategy to contain smallpox. While working in a remote Nigerian village, he and his team identified several cases of smallpox—a highly contagious and deadly disease. The conventional approach dictated mass vaccination, but there was a major problem: they didn’t have enough vaccines, and waiting for more could allow the disease to spread uncontrollably.

Faced with this urgent crisis and no clear solution, Foege turned to his past experiences. Drawing from his time as a firefighter, he applied the same strategy used to control wildfires: containment. Instead of attempting the impossible—vaccinating everyone—he focused on identifying infected individuals and vaccinating only those in their immediate circles. By creating a “firebreak” of immunity around each case, he effectively halted the spread of smallpox.

This strategy, now known as ring vaccination, proved to be one of the most effective disease control measures in history and played a pivotal role in the eventual eradication of smallpox. Had Foege been in a typical research environment, he might have followed standard protocols or consulted experts who would have recommended the traditional approach. Instead, forced to think independently in a high-stakes situation, he relied on his creativity and intuitive intelligence to innovate.