Why did you become a physician?
I became a physician, because I wanted to assist in making health care more available to those in need. I grew up in a small community with limited access to care. Health maintenance was receiving immunizations at the local health department. There were only two providers in town, and they were fee for service. It wasn’t until I was in high school that our community had a hospital- based clinic with labs and x-ray capability. It was primarily a farming community. You only went to the doctor if you were sick. I went back to practice in my hometown after completion of residency in an outpatient practice with inpatient rotation and obstetrics care. Taking care of all ages. I was on scholarship from the National Health Corps.
I have watched many family members succumb to various illness be it cardiovascular, cancers, addiction, consequences of diverticular disease, or overwhelming joint diseases. I have also witnessed the barriers to getting the care needed during these trying times.
My goal was to emphasize the importance of disease prevention while empowering individuals to be involved in their healthcare. I wanted to play a role in educating the public on how to best make choices about their healthcare. I have spoken to women’s clubs in my hometown and then as a part of a group at EKU in Richmond as a resident in the community. I discussed the importance of screenings and health maintenance. Discussed risk factors for various reproductive cancers, as well as for colon cancer and osteoporosis. I have in the last few years spoke out about the prevalence of fatty liver and its increasing comorbidities at Family Practice Review Session for the University of Kentucky.
It is my love of education of my patients and others that led me to work at the University of Kentucky with more involvement in the instruction of medical students and residents. I always strive to make conditions understandable to my patients. I have a curiosity about the human body and look at diagnosing problems from a systemic perspective. I find many factors interplay in managing a disease or condition.
