big, pushy = broad-minded, ambitious?

Context:
Surgeons around the world have successfully performed a total of 30 hand-forearm transplants, including the three in Lyon, said Dr. Nadey Hakim of London, a team member who amputated Mr. Hallam's new hand.

In a telephone interview, Dr. Hakim described Dr. Dubernard as "big, pushy and at the same time friendly and kind."

In juggling his two careers, Dr. Dubernard says he usually commutes to Paris for two days each week to tend to politics in the French Parliament. On other days, he cares for patients at the Edouard Herriot Hospital in Lyon.