Chronicles of a Family Physician.
Last year in June, I discovered the Direct Primary Care (DPC) movement while attending the DPC online summit. I said to myself, “If I passed the USMLE boards and practiced medicine in the USA, I can succeed at private practice.” I grew up in Quito, Ecuador, where I witnessed my father caring for patients in his home office. I also followed him while he made rounds in the hospital. My dad has been my mentor since I was a child. I dreamed of having my own private office and working with him side by side. I am so excited to see this dream come true.
I am opening Grateful MD DPC in Taylorsville, Utah, where I make my home. Even though the startup process feels overwhelming, I know that it will work out well. I chose this name because I always end my week reflecting about the gratitude I feel. I recognize that I am learning new things and making connections that I will need for my own private practice. When I first started medical school, I used to tell myself that every expert once started as a beginner. I remember the struggles, the early morning, the late nights, and the long hours just reminding myself that one day, I would be exactly where I wanted to be. I may not be 100% there, but I am proud to say that I am an excellent diagnostician doctor.
I truly believe deep in my heart that there is no better person to provide my patients with the care they need. Here is an example from my most recent position. It was not a coincidence that I became the family physician of this patient, let’s call her Maria. Maria was looking for a doctor who would listen to her with patience and find the proper diagnosis. She was afraid to go to the ER because, on previous occasions, ER doctors did not believe her symptoms and told her that everything was in her mind. Maria was presenting seizure-like episodes accompanied by left-side paralysis. I witnessed one episode when she was in the clinic. I could not believe that she was diagnosed with a conversion disorder. When I met her, I ask all the questions to obtain a medical history and decide to perform some additional tests. One of the tests was for Lyme disease. I made this recommendation because I was reminded by a friend—with chronic Lyme disease—about its affect on the central nervous system. As I considered my differential diagnosis, I felt inspired to send for the Lyme disease antibodies and to look for antigens. At least 3 antigens were present and also antibodies. I diagnosed her with chronic Lyme disease with neurological manifestations. She received treatment, and now her seizures are under control. The faith of this patient inspires me. When we first met, she said, “I have lost all my trust in physicians, but I am here to see you because I know that you can find the right diagnosis.”
I felt so overwhelmed but also challenged to help Maria find the cause of her suffering. She placed her trust in me, and I can empathized with her. I felt the suffering that she and her family had been through for two years. Now, when I remember her story, I am grateful that I was her physician and helped her enjoy a better quality of life with her children.
The connections that I establish with my patients are what keeps me going. I know that I am here to help people with their suffering, and I am honored to spend my career doing just that. If I had to pick one thing that motivates me in this career, I help people feel better about themselves and live healthier lives. It’s what lights me up inside; it’s what ignites me from within. I have to say that there’s no greater feeling than when my patient shows up for a follow-up visit and says, “I am so happy to see your face. I missed you.” It’s such a rewarding experience and something that I will never get used to hearing. It’s my goal that every patient I see and treat comes back saying the same thing. For anyone reading this, I want you to know that I am dedicated to my career, and I am dedicated to my patients.
Now, I’m curious… do you have any questions related to what I do that I can answer for you? Leave your question below. I’m taking some time to answer them right now!
Share with your Friends:
