I’ve been passionate about family health and preventive medicine for as long as I’ve known about Guyana’s Health Care system. I might not remember the days when my mom carried me around in utero during surgeries for hours on end but I do remember years later waiting patiently for her in the nurse’s room after school was over for the day. I also remember getting regular nebulizations whenever I suffered an asthmatic attack and spending hour after hour waiting to feel better.
During these moments I always experienced the care, and attention to detail the nurses and doctors exemplified to ensure a life was saved. And of course my journey through medical school, internship and as a medical officer has allowed me to be a part of an ever evolving health care system. All these experiences have taught me that Family Medicine adds a rather distinct component to the practice of medicine: compassion.
My passion for Family Medicine emerges from my desire to practice preventive and broad spectrum medicine. During my internship years I was drawn to many specialties unlike most of my colleagues who fancied only surgery, psychiatry or obstetrics. It was at this point I decided a career that allows me to care for children and yet be involved in women’s health or those suffering from chronic illnesses was probably best suited for me.
Fast forward to my post internship year, I was given a position in the emergency department at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. And despite my fears I quite enjoyed being able to care for children, pregnant women, men and the elderly. However, I was extremely saddened by the fast pace that had to be kept which took away from me being able to treat the entire patient as a whole. Having a holistic approach towards patients is very important to me, as it allows me to build strong relationships not only with my patients but also their families. I therefore seek to focus my future practice around the concept of prevention, participation in community service and continuity of care.
I strongly believe that my participation in the Family Medicine programme will better prepare me for my future goals. Goals that allow me to be a part of a private practice while being an advocate for preventive medicine whether in a health center or hospital setting.
Finally, it is my hope that being a part of this residency programme will not only facilitate my future career in medicine, but also allow me to continue to develop into a better physician.
