Why I became a family doctor

HMM! WHERE do I start from? Losing both parents at an early age to diabetes mellitus could be a negative or positive force in pursuing a dream. Well, mine was a positive drive. Coming from a developing country (Nigeria) where healthcare is not free and where health promotion is on the minimal, there was a need for me to edify myself with certain prowess. Being a family physician gives me the opportunity to prevent negligence, allow young people to grow with their parents, and prevent premature deaths. As a family physician, I get the opportunity to interact with different families and watch that infant grow into adulthood (what a bundle of joy). Family medicine is my happy place. Hence, I don’t see it as a lot of work to deal with my patients; I see it as an opportunity and a privilege to serve and help every generation.

I feel fulfilled seeing a smile on that male or female’s face and hearing people say, “Doc, thank you so much, I feel better.”

I want to be that shoulder my patients can lean on, and also be the ear that listens. I can be all these, and more, only in my happy place. Dr Ovie E. Kupa, BSc, MD, MBBS Family Medicine Resident