Interview with an Internal Medicine Physician
Learn from an interview with an internal medicine physician specialized in critical care.
Student: Hi Doctor, thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. As part of my high school internship program I'm hoping to learn more about careers in medicine, specifically critical care. Can you tell me a bit about your background and what made you interested in becoming an internist and critical care specialist?
Doctor: Absolutely, I'm happy to share my experiences with you. I attended undergraduate studies at UC Berkeley where I majored in biology. I was always fascinated by the human body and knew I wanted to go into medicine. After graduating from Berkeley, I went to Johns Hopkins Medical School and completed my residency training in internal medicine. During my residency, I found myself drawn to caring for critically ill patients in the ICU. I appreciated the fast-paced nature of critical care and the complexity of managing patients with multiple organ failure. After residency, I pursued a critical care fellowship to receive advanced training in this field.
Student: Wow, your education sounds like you are well-experience! What does a typical day look like for you?
Doctor: My days are quite varied as a critical care doctor. I usually arrive early to check in on patients and review their cases from overnight. I then do rounds with my team of residents and medical students, examining patients and developing care plans. A major part of my day is coordinating care with other specialists like surgeons, cardiologists, or neurologists who are consulting on my patients. I also communicate closely with patients' families to keep them updated. Of course, dealing with any emergencies or rapid changes in a patient's condition is common as well. There are always new challenges to manage in the ICU!
Student: I love the flexibility! What do you find most rewarding about your job?
Doctor: What I find most rewarding is when patients who have been critically ill for a long time finally turn a corner and stabilize or improve. The ICU can be an emotionally intense place for families and patients, so being able to share positive news and progress makes the difficult days worth it. I also love teaching medical students and residents - being able to pass on knowledge to the next generation of physicians is very gratifying.
Student: What advice do you have for high school students interested in a career in medicine someday?
Doctor: My main advice is to get exposure early on to what medicine is really like. Volunteer or work in a hospital if you can to experience that environment. Shadow different types of physicians to understand the various specialties. Take advanced science courses to prepare for college pre-med classes. Develop strong study habits and time management skills. But also take care of yourself and don't let the pre-med track burn you out before you even get to med school. Find a balance with activities you enjoy outside academics. Medicine is a fulfilling but demanding career path, so be sure it's something you are passionate about before committing.
Student: Thank you so much for taking the time to share all of this helpful advice Dr. Smith!
Doctor: You're very welcome! I'm happy to provide some insight into life as a critical care physician. Let me know if you have any other questions as you continue to explore future career options in medicine.