Interning at Northwestern Memorial Hospital was an eye-opening experience. I learned about various professions in the health care field, worked in clinical and administrative departments, and observed surgical procedures. Most importantly, this opportunity encouraged me to reflect on my own motives for pursuing a profession in medicine.

Choosing a profession in harmony with my values is my primary motive for wanting to be a doctor. The medical profession demands commitment, dedication, and a passion for serving others. It also recognizes the importance of empowering people with knowledge, providing them with options, and acting in their best interest. These values coincide with my personal belief system. There is an inherent interaction between a physician's personal belief system and the practice of medicine. This was evident to me while shadowing physicians in clinical departments. The physicians' value of autonomy, compassion, and service were reflected in their actions. They demonstrated respect for their patients and involved them as actual participants in their health care whenever possible. This convergence of personal values with components of institutional medicine clearly benefited and enriched the physician-patient relationship.

The physician-patient relationship forms the core of the practice of medicine. In order for physicians to be effective they must be able to connect with their patients on a humanistic level. Patients must trust, respect, and have confidence in their physician's abilities. They must also feel comfortable to openly share personal issues with their physician and confide in them. Poor physician-patient relationships can negatively impact the self-esteem of patients, the success of patient compliance with treatment regimes, and the efficient utilization of health care services. Connecting with patients, showing compassion, and maintaining openness is crucial in the practice of medicine and is necessary for the well-being of patients.

Health care is a selfless profession. But to be a successful healthcare provider one must learn to balance ones professional career and personal life. This is difficult to attain in any profession, but it is essential in order to be an effective physician. As a healthcare provider one is trained to care for and serve others; however, in order to do so, one must take care of oneself. Physicians are role models for well-being, because of this they must learn to care for themselves physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Physicians who neglect to do this may experience compassion fatigue or loose sight of their motives for pursuing a career in medicine. This is not only detrimental to them, but also to those they care for and serve. The medical profession is highly demanding and strenuous, because of this, it is essential for physicians to be aware of their own needs and well-being.

Through this experience I have gained a unique perspective into the practice of medicine and have had the opportunity to explore my true motives for why I want to be a doctor. A physician I shadowed told me that ones motives for pursuing a career in medicine are indicative of their future performance. If his/her motives are pure and honest, then he/she has the potential to positively impact the lives of many people.

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