If you've seen New Amsterdam, then you're probably familiar with the brilliant and charming Dr. Max Goodwin, the newest medical director of a medical tv drama whose determined to provide exceptional care set for anyone in need.
As a new doctor watching this not-so-new medical drama, my mind tries to unwind the significance behind what being a doctor means to me—hoping to broaden my understanding of the medical profession. Is it just a job with a grand income or an honorable mission, or both? As I approach my 7th month into the medical profession, I grew aware of the ups and downs of this career. Doctor life is more of a turbulence. There are days where I'm utterly grateful for my position and days were I taunt myself about my choice of career.
This questionable insight surfaced as I started my surgery rotation. I was part of a team committed to providing exceptional care to all their patients, which initially brought me to recall New Amsterdam. All members were entirely ready to help despite the hard work, long hours, and patient outcomes, which are not always reasonable or expected, but it was the exceptional care they guaranteed.
One time, before the morning round, my colleagues and I have split the patients among us so that the work can run smoothly and quickly. A team member (registrar) came by to see if we needed any help and asked how many of our patients are in the ward. I blurted there were ten, and among those ten, I only saw four since they are my patients. He looked at me weirdly and said, "There's no such thing as 'my patients.' They are all our patients."
And I have to admit; his words gave me goosebumps. Not the scary kind, though. But rather a sense of pride. My mind kept playing his words repeatedly, and I realize how valid it is that we are here to give care to those in need. Because what's the point of earning a job title that grants you access to help others profoundly but use it for display, broadly.
But then again, the lifestyle can be challenging to deal with, day in day out. Sometimes, there's just you and the thought of you in bed under all that stress and workload. Sometimes, you try to dodge ward calls and silly complaints because you feel you have earned a peaceful 10 minutes recess to enjoy a nice meal. And that's okay. That's normal. You're a human being in the end, especially since we are trying to accommodate a life beyond our job.
Our job is generally pleasurable, mainly when you know your help was appreciated or when medical interventions go as expected. Despite the hectic challenges of this profession, I still wake up every day with a mint start awaiting the challenges this day will bring.
If you're a doctor, and you still get excited to learn about the human body and wonder how mechanical supplies function in treating patients, then a great adventure awaits you.
And as Dr. Max Goodwin once said, “How can I help?”