from his passion for helping his patients , for making meaningful connections . In internal medicine and primary care , he said he is so fortunate to be able to provide continuity , something some other specialties may not .
“ I ’ ve been seeing many of my patients for more than 15 years . Many of my patients follow me when I change offices . It is stimulating and professionally gratifying . For some older patients and I ’ m the only one they can talk to . Many times I may tell someone that they don ’ t have to come into the office , and I ’ ll call in the medication for them , but they still want to come because that ’ s the only time they can talk about their problems . I get to know them and make that valuable connection .”
And he ’ s not just making an impact on their health and their lives – the feeling is reciprocated . Patient successes fuel him to keep pushing forward , even on the tough days .
“ I can make a tangible impact on someone ’ s life , and I think that ’ s extremely rewarding . When we make a meaningful impact on someone ’ s life and overcome health challenges , the appreciation and gratitude I receive from patients and families is incredibly rewarding . Hearing words of thanks fills my commitment to continue to work as a doctor . It shows us the significance of the work we do as doctors . It ’ s a privilege and I don ’ t take it lightly .”
Dr . Paily enjoys how the field of medicine changes every day
and appreciates those learning opportunities . “ There is always something new to learn – a better way to take care of patients , a breakthrough treatment . And not everything is learned from journals , many things are learned from the patients themselves . Each patient is unique , and you learn something new every day .”
In addition to learning every day , he also likes to teach and impart his knowledge to the next generation of physicians . He has students shadow him in his practice regularly .
“ I believe that giving them an opportunity to learn more about medicine can help them to make the right choice . Medicine is a noble calling , but it is not a one-size-fits-all and it ’ s not for everybody . Many are aware that the path to medicine is challenging , but what they may not realize is that once admitted to medical school , it has its own challenges and demands . I want them to learn about the field of medicine so that they can make the right choices before they get into this challenging field .”
One student in particular must have heeded his advice and is ready for a career in medicine in just a few years : his son , Romith . He is currently a junior at the University of Louisville in the GEMS ( Guaranteed Entrance to Medical School ) program . Each year , only about 10 students are admitted to this highly competitive program .
Romith , a talented Bollywood dancer , is one of two children , ( continued on page 36 ) October 2023 35