My choice of Family Medicine as a career is based on my experiences through medical school, especially my participation in the Program of Medicine in the Community for two years. During this life changing rotation, I assisted with about thirty patients per day at a local clinic and helped to provide home health care for patients of all ages from low income communities. I set up blood pressure, glucose and vaccine campaigns. I learned how to interview patients, draw blood and do simple sutures and obstetric and gynecological exams. I enjoyed warm relationships with my patients and made house calls. It was during this opportunity that I realized the importance of dispelling white coat syndrome for me to have an effective medical practice. I worked hard and sharpened my increasingly strong Spanish skills and by the time I graduated I was fluent.
The Program of Medicine in the Community motivated me to do an elective in Family
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Family Medicine allows me to manage patient issues, give treatments and work with other health care professionals. Working with Family Medicine doctors made me part of a small fraternity of doctors dedicated to helping patients in their communities with everyday medical needs. From promoting health and community outreach programs, to calling and reminding patients of their annual physicals and health checks I developed relationships with patients that are sincere and lasting. I want to have those kinds of relationships throughout my career. Additionally, the team oriented nature of Family Medicine allows me to use my strong organizational and interpersonal skills in order to help patients through stressful and difficult times. These skills are invaluable for being on the frontlines assessing patient needs and providing initial and ongoing treatments. Family Medicine also satisfies my intellectual side because of the great variety of cases and diversity of