ÈÕ±¾avÉ«ÇéƬ

I had always wanted to be a doctor, but after my grandfather was diagnosed with stage 4 small cell lung cancer just before I started medical school, the meaning of medicine changed for me. Medicine had previously meant advanced science, clinical problem solving, and a systematic process for diagnosis and treatment. But as I accompanied my grandfather to his oncology appointments, I realized that medicine was first and foremost a humanistic endeavor. Through his illness and the compassionate internists involved in his care, I found myself gravitating towards a career in internal medicine. It was during internal medicine residency that I realized the most gratifying part of my medical career has been the opportunity to build a patient base and develop connections with my patients, particularly at my clinic. I recognized that I could impact patient’s lives by understanding social determinants of health, managing chronic conditions, and practicing preventive medicine. I understood then that I could truly make a difference in my patient’s lives – and thus found my calling in primary care.