People always interest me. For someone who is drawn to thinking about individual and social behavior (psychology and sociology), it fascinates me daily when I am able to interact with people from all walks of life. That is one of the beauties of health care - it's an equalizer of people. It doesn't matter to me if you are homeless or a CEO or a stay-at-home-mom or the university president, you will get sick or hurt at some point in life and I may see you in my clinic exam room. I may not know any of those things about you, but I will be able to help and educate you about yourself and your body.
Throughout these two years, I've seen hundreds of cases: from things as mundane as sunburns, poison ivy, and upper respiratory infections (aka colds) to the urgent conditions of surgical abdominal complaints (gallbladder, ovarian tumor, appendicitis), brain bleeds, anaphylaxis, asthma attacks, and a heart attack. My favorite complaints continue to be cuts that need sewn in clinic and potential bone breaks.
I, myself, have had my fair share of illnesses. My roommate and I joke that between the two of us, we either have the best immune systems in the world or the worst ones. She's a teacher. I've had bronchitis at least 3 times, a few colds, a contagious intestinal infection, strep throat, and pneumonia. I've accidentally stuck myself with epinephrine as well as two needles in 2 years.
With my medical education, I've been able to serve in Romania for a short-term mission trip as a PA this past May. I am scheduled to go to Haiti in October with a medical team. In the fall last year, I attended the Global Missions Health Conference in Louisville, KY. With education funds from work, I've also been able to attend conferences on preparing for infectious disease outbreaks (sponsored by the Ebola task force), youth sports injuries, and human trafficking in Iowa.
My co-workers and bosses have been super supportive in helping me navigate practicing medicine as a new provider. They have been my mentors, my friends, and the ones with whom I spend long hours of my work days. They make my job easier, tolerable, and enjoyable depending on the day.
Not once have I regretted my decision to pursue the physician assistant career. I have been satisfied with my autonomy in my role. I do not desire to ever be a physician; my patients ask me routinely if I'm going to go on to become a physician. (P.S. That's not how it works.) It's rewarding to be able to spend time with patients and educate them about their health or illness instead of just throwing around medical jargon and having them leave confused.
It's hard to imagine what I'll encounter in my career during the next 2 years or where I will be, but I'm excited to find out.
No comments:
Post a Comment