Improving Patients’ Lives

I never imagined that after only a month of medical school I would need a reminder of why I chose this path. I guess studying so much biochemistry can do that!

Well, I got my reminder today. I went to my weekly preceptor visit with my short white coat on (that I still do not feel at all qualified to wear!) and decided to take one of my required medical histories. I spent over an hour getting the patient’s medical history and just talking. She has so many health issues and through our conversation it was very evident that her poor physical
health affects her mental well-being and has completely changed her daily life.

At one point, she began to cry. Seeing her frustrations and desire for a healthy life, I almost began to cry as well. I was able to maintain my composure, but I think that not getting too emotionally involved will be difficult for me when I begin to practice.

So, in a short hour I was reminded again about why I chose this long path. Like this woman, many people rely on their doctors to help them improve their quality of life. I want to be able to contribute in this manner someday as well. But first I know I have four years of medical school ahead of me and so much to learn, like enough biochemistry to pass the final exam that is coming up too soon!