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What makes you passionate about medicine?

Growing up in a black household and relying on the healthcare workers in my family such as my mom, my aunt, and holder cousins, I was surrounded by resilient and self-supporting mindsets that I tend to consistently reflect on. As a current 2nd-year first generation Biology Pre-Med major, my engagement in college and biology allows me to learn how to provide solutions for the concerns society has today in terms of environmental education, social changes, and global communication in which I would aid in the development of universal healthcare and social justice for all.

I was able to grow my leadership and advocacy skills by participating in more social justice and representative-based work to assure myself I was capable of change, despite the persona I was expected to be. Being family-oriented, I wanted to encourage domestic equality and welfare for all as I started to work with grant-making organizations by assisting in distributing $19,000 to 5 different non-profits that helped women and girls through philanthropy and leadership workshops.

Like permanent branding, racial discrimination had urged me to become more confident in my passion for further diversifying the medical field as it is predominantly aimed towards those who are not of color. Though despite this limitation, I continue to yearn to bring more inclusivity and justice to the medical field; nevertheless embracing the traditions and morals my mother had made me remember like a nursery rhyme beyond all else. As a young Black girl in America, I realized I was systematically confined by a box of expectations that required me to hide who I am, and with this, I have never done so.

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Thank you comment icon Dear Destanie, It sounds like you are very passionate about what you are doing. Bravo. Keep up the great work. Becky Becky Rouhi (She/Her)
Thank you comment icon You are doing such amazing work! We need more doctors of color to help reform the healthcare system and the way it responds to Black and brown folks. I'm rooting for you, and I have no doubt in my mind that you'll be an amazing addition to the healthcare system. Gurpreet Lally, Admin
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George’s Answer

Hi Destanie. I can try to answer why I am passionate about Medicine and being a healthcare worker. My number one motivating reason was (since I retired recently) helping others in whatever way I could. My field was limited to foot and ankle issues. Even though it may appear that Podiatry may be limited to some individuals, I had plenty of work and conditions to evaluate and treat that kept me very busy for over 40 years. My primary office was located South of Boston where I saw a very diverse population. I hope all my patients felt that they were treated equally. I do believe my staff and I tried to do just that. I personally was born and raised in a South American country and lived the experience of moving to a country where my family and I had to learn a different language, new culture, struggle to make new friends, eat unfamiliar food, etc. This process was not easy, especially for my parents. In my office I had the privilege to treat people from the USA, Kenya, Nigeria, The Caribbean, Bangla Desh, Peru, Spain, Cuba, Albania, Greece, Vietnam to name a few. Every patient reminded me of why I am passionate about Medicine. Patients, no matter where they are from, come into your office/clinic looking for relief of a condition that is affecting their quality of life. You, as a healthcare worker, will be given the training to try to improve their condition and basically return to a more "normal" and happy lifestyle. The bonus here, besides making a living, is that you have been giving a gift: the ability to earn trust, respect and friendship from people who need your help. Keep in mind this also applies to all professions where people help others. This was my passion and there was not a day that I did not look forward to going to work. Destanie, your goals are very commendable and the world of Medicine needs more passionate people like you. I wish the best for you.
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Stephanie’s Answer

In answer to your question about what makes me passionate about working in healthcare, I would agree that it is really about making a difference for those individuals I am able to work with. As an occupational therapist, I am able to help people regain independence in their life after an often life-altering event and at a point they feel particularly low and watch them discover that life is not over. It truly is a blessing to be able to be a part of that for people.
I commend your passion! The ability to provide equitable care for all is definitely needed and helping all patients feel heard and seen is so important. Our healthcare system most certainly needs an overhaul in so many ways. As someone who clearly has the passion to make that happen, I would encourage you to look at really understand what different forms of healthcare offer. I have a coworker from Canada, which has universal healthcare and she said they will come to the US for care because there is often a delay in getting care within that system. Some people die before getting the care they need. If we are truly going to reform our system, it is important to look critically at what works and what doesn’t work to try to find the best possible solution to our very broken system. There is no doubt that changes need to be made. I look forward to seeing what bright and energetic people like you can bring to the table and hopefully drive the much needed change!
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