My decision to pursue anesthesiology as a career arose from careful introspection of my strengths and weaknesses. During the preclinical years I found myself enjoying the study of physiology, pharmacology and biochemistry–the topics that are the bread and butter of anesthesiology. The clinical clerkships–especially the internal medicine and surgery clerkships– helped solidify the type of medicine I wanted to practice: to be able to develop meaningful relationships with patients, to be able to individualize my care for a particular patient, to be able to have a hands-on approach to patient care, and to be able to have a wide knowledge base in order to address a variety of cases.
My internal medicine clerkship occurred early in my clinical year …show more content…
The anesthesiologist must elicit the patient’s trust as he guides the patient through a medically induced coma. For patients to voluntary give up control of their bodies and entrust their lives to a stranger, truly underscores the anesthesiologist’s ability to empathize and develop relationships with their patients. During my anesthesiology elective I had the opportunity to witness this sacred pact. Mrs. S was scheduled to undergo a femoral hernia repair and the fear and apprehension was apparent on her face. When the anesthesiologist came for the pre-operative evaluation, he patiently listened and addressed Mrs. S’s concerns and fears. When Mrs. S was worried about pain, he reassured her that he would make her as comfortable as possible. When Mrs. S was worried about surgical complications, he reassured her that the talented team of doctors taking care of her would do their best. When Mrs. S was being wheeled back into the OR, he held her hand throughout the process reassuring her. Witnessing these interactions helped fortify the type of physician I want to become: one who combines some of the best medical technology with a solid foundation in medical pharmacology, pathophysiology, biochemistry, and humanism in order to care for patients in their most critical
My internal medicine clerkship occurred early in my clinical year …show more content…
The anesthesiologist must elicit the patient’s trust as he guides the patient through a medically induced coma. For patients to voluntary give up control of their bodies and entrust their lives to a stranger, truly underscores the anesthesiologist’s ability to empathize and develop relationships with their patients. During my anesthesiology elective I had the opportunity to witness this sacred pact. Mrs. S was scheduled to undergo a femoral hernia repair and the fear and apprehension was apparent on her face. When the anesthesiologist came for the pre-operative evaluation, he patiently listened and addressed Mrs. S’s concerns and fears. When Mrs. S was worried about pain, he reassured her that he would make her as comfortable as possible. When Mrs. S was worried about surgical complications, he reassured her that the talented team of doctors taking care of her would do their best. When Mrs. S was being wheeled back into the OR, he held her hand throughout the process reassuring her. Witnessing these interactions helped fortify the type of physician I want to become: one who combines some of the best medical technology with a solid foundation in medical pharmacology, pathophysiology, biochemistry, and humanism in order to care for patients in their most critical