ANSWERING THE CALL TO MEDICINE
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inner satisfaction of providing care. As my father diagnosed the cow with milk fever, I felt a deep connection to the medicine we were practicing. But I also realized my heart longed for a different kind of care, one where I could help people live longer, healthier lives and be present for them throughout their entire journey. That was the moment I realized my true calling was to become a physician, someone who could offer the same kind of care, comfort and expertise that I had witnessed in my father’ s practice.
This realization led me to shadow physicians, volunteer in hospitals and engage with medical students and residents. These experiences solidified my decision to pursue human medicine, but it wasn’ t until I began immersing myself in various specialties during medical school that I found my true calling in family medicine. The ability to form long-term relationships with patients, treating the whole person( body, mind and spirit) resonated deeply with me. I was drawn to the holistic, patient-centered care that family medicine champions, offering not only treatment for physical illness but also emotional and psychological support. The opportunity to provide continuity of care over time is something I found especially powerful.
My medical journey has been profoundly shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis emphasized the importance of physicians who not only possess medical expertise but also offer empathy, adaptability and support during times of crisis. As hospitals became overwhelmed and uncertainty grew, I found myself reflecting on the true essence of health care. The pandemic underscored for me that medicine is not just about treating disease; it’ s about building trust, providing compassion and being a steady presence in times of uncertainty. During this challenging time, I also assisted my mother, a small animal veterinarian who remained as busy as ever throughout the pandemic. In a world where many were told to stay home, I found myself immersed in health care, driven by the understanding that medicine doesn’ t stop, even when the world slows down. This experience reaffirmed my belief in the critical role of primary care, especially for underserved and vulnerable populations who need physicians who can offer not just medical care, but emotional support during times of great need.
Reflecting on my journey, I recognize there are moments when I wish I had engaged sooner with underserved communities. Although I have worked with rural health initiatives and volunteered at community clinics, I wish I had more fully immersed myself in these environments earlier. Underserved populations face unique barriers to care, from transportation and financial challenges to a lack of providers. Understanding these challenges earlier in my journey would have better equipped me to advocate for and address the needs of these communities.
Looking to the future, I see a health care system that is continuing to evolve, and I am excited to contribute to its growth. From shortages in primary care providers to the ongoing challenges of health care access, the future of medicine holds both uncertainty and immense potential. I am drawn to family medicine because of its versatility and its potential to address health care disparities. There is a profound satisfaction in knowing that you can be there for your patients not just in times of illness, but across the entirety of their lives— offering care, comfort and continuity. I believe the future of health care will be defined by more than just responding to disease; it will be about proactive, patient-centered care that builds relationships and trust over time. Through my clinical experiences, I have learned the importance of adapting to meet patients where they are. I am committed to developing systems and practices that make care more accessible, equitable and compassionate. One of the most impactful experiences during my training was while caring for a man we’ ll call Murphy, who was suffering from chronic pancreatitis and end-stage heart failure. His suffering was not just physical, but also emotional and spiritual. I arranged for a local priest to visit him, facilitating his baptism— an experience that brought him peace. This solidified my belief that health care must treat the whole person— not just the body, but also the heart and soul.
I feel the call to medicine because it allows me to serve, to make a meaningful difference and to be part of something greater than myself. As I progress in my studies, I am more committed than ever to answering this call. The road ahead may be uncertain, but the values of compassion, service and dedication that have guided me thus far continue to drive me forward. I am determined to make a meaningful impact on the lives of my patients, my community and the health care system as a whole. What began as a journey alongside my father in the barn, assisting with surgeries and tending to animals, has now evolved into a calling to care for people— to be a physician who not only heals bodies but also cares for hearts, minds and souls.
Meghan Cawood is a third-year medical student at the University of Louisville School of Medicine at the Trover campus.
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