On Being an Internist

Whilst photography is my hobby, being an internal medicine specialist is my occupation. Being a physician, despite the frustrations that come with navigating the healthcare system in this country, is probably about the best job in the world; it is at the very least the most “human” of jobs. The interaction with people on a daily basis from doing a wellness exam, to treating something like gout, to holding someone’s hand and comforting family at the time of death is extremely rewarding.

I particularly like my specialty, internal medicine. Indeed, I think it is the best of all the medical specialties (please forgive my bias surgical colleagues). I don’t have fancy tools or equipment. I don’t do amazing operations that wow most people. I treat the common diseases of men and women and strive to prevent disease before it starts. My job is definitely not the most sexy or glamorous of the medical fields but it allows me the chance to make a difference in each patient I encounter and to get to know these patients as individuals, as people, and not just as the cataract in room one, or the appendicitis in bed 5.

My tools are simple. Most days the only thing I use are my ears, my eyes and my stethoscope. But I think that is what makes my field so rewarding. With very little, internists are able to diagnose and treat, and bring people back to health. Now, I am all about technology, and am very thankful to the tools that we have nowadays to assist us in treating and diagnosing patients, but I find it most rewarding that most of what I do, and the treatment plans I make, are based on listening to the patient and using my senses. My specialty may not make tomorrow’s headline but I am very proud and feel very lucky to be a practitioner in it.

Monday

It is Monday, which means back to work.  My first stop this morning was to the intensive care unit to see a patient who recently had surgery and has not done well.  She has been on the ventilator for some time now, and it does not seem like she is going to get off the ventilator anytime soon.  I had a lengthy talk with…

Welcome

Welcome to A Daily Record.  I have redesigned this website to better share my photos.  Please note that this is still a work in progress and I am trying to work out all the kinks.  I welcome comments to make this site better.  Thank you.