ANSWERING THE CALL TO MEDICINE
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Usually, though, I think a calling is something that just won’ t let you go, and that you are willing to push through those obstacles for.
Once I was in medical school, I assumed I would go into emergency medicine, because I thought it was a natural extension of the fire department. What I found, though, was that emergency medicine was not like firefighting, and instead was a continuation of the things I didn’ t like. While the excitement was there, there wasn’ t any development of the patient relationship that I was looking for.
I really enjoyed general surgery but couldn’ t see taking my young family through a general surgery residency.
I also spent time in med school working with my dad, who was a Mohs surgeon. As a junior, I had a strong aversion to doing what my dad did, but I really enjoyed spending time with him, and he had wonderful surgical skills and was willing to let me watch and learn from him. The more time I spent with my dad at work, the more I saw a man who was extremely happy with his job and who truly enjoyed every single aspect of it. I saw how he interacted with his patients, and how they loved him and trusted his opinion. I saw that he developed strong bonds of friendship that helped carry them through to their diagnosis and treatment, and I saw how much he cared for them. In short, my dad was the happiest doctor I worked with and learned from.
For some, I think the call to medicine is an organic process that starts with an exceptional prowess in academics, and maybe particularly in science— likely finishing high school, and then college as a valedictorian, or one of the top students, and winning scholarships and accolades that make parents and grandparents know that great things are in the future.
For others, like me, the field of medicine is one that simply would not let us go, even when we turned our heads toward other pursuits, and even when the obstacles seem larger than the opportunity.
The truth is, the path to medicine had a real purpose for me, and the struggles that I had in getting there helped me to better appreciate how amazing it is to be in a position to help someone, to provide not just a skill set, but also a listening ear. Because I have had the lucky opportunity to get to help patients, we could develop a friendship and relationship over time, because they are unique and wonderful people. I am so thankful for the opportunities I’ ve had, both in the fire department, and now, as a physician. It is truly a blessing to wake up every day and be excited about the opportunity to go to work.
Dr. McCall specializes in Mohs Micrographic and Dermatologic Surgery with Associates in Dermatology.
12 LOUISVILLE MEDICINE