Shadowing My Local Physician

It's the Summer of 2011 and I am in search of inspiration and building my resume, I call up physicians in my local area. Doctors in the field of internal medicine, gynecology, podiatry, etc. You name it, I was calling them. All I needed was one yes after all.

A local physician in internal medicine agrees to let me shadow him. I was a bit disappointed because internal medicine seemed so boring to me. I wanted the fun and action I saw on television in the ER. But hey! At least it was something in the medical field. I ask to start the next day and he could not be happier.

The first day of shadowing was just what I expected. BORING! A few follow-up patients and folks who just need refills on their prescriptions or signatures on working papers. YAWN! I don't think I want to return. I'm  calling other offices and signing up for my local ER. This physician was so fascinated by his own work and the staff seemed so happy though. He was practicing medicine for decades and said he will retire when he dies. I decide to stick around. Again...BEST DECISION EVER!

There is so much more to internal medicine than prescriptions and paperwork. Day by day I was learning about new illnesses and treatments. Patients seemed to ignore the introduction of "This young lady is an aspiring doctor and she's shadowing me today." The level of trust and respect was just immediate once they saw that stethoscope around my neck. I became a counselor, friend, daughter, comedian, healer, and more. Patients cried on my shoulders, shook my hand after examining them, told me their life stories, and encouraged me to become a doctor. An old black lady was so happy when she saw me. I asked her, "Why are you so happy to see me?" Her answer, "It feels so good to be treated by someone who looks just like you." POWERFUL WORDS! I could almost cry right there on the spot but all I could do was smile. A hug and a "Thank You!" was all.

Lupus, Prader Willi Syndrome, Hyperthyroidism, Shingles, Diabetes, Hper/Hypotension, Gout, Kidney stones, PCOS, Pregnancy, Vitamin B12 deficiency, AIDS/HIV, and more were all illnesses I encountered. And guess what? ALL WERE DIAGNOSED BY ME! Yeah baby! I had the best physician in the world guiding me and challenging me. Reading many books on my own and plain experience from being in that office day after day were paying off. Talk about the ultimate boost in confidence!

OPQRSTI, ABCs, SAMPLE, and more that I learned as an EMT all came in very handy. All of these experiences in the medical field only added fuel to the fire that was building inside of me.

THE FIELD OF MEDICINE IS DEFINITELY FOR ME!

I explain my scenario to my new mentor (the physician I am shadowing) and he recommends that I give Caribbean Medical Schools a shot.

Hmmm...the medical marathon continues.