What is it like to be a general practitioner? For me, it primarily involves helping people better understand their health and guiding them in making informed lifestyle and health choices, especially when they are facing illness.
Medicine is vast, and my main areas of interest are cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. To stay current with the latest developments and practices in medicine, continuous learning is essential. I keep myself updated on European and American guidelines for managing various conditions, and I have successfully passed the first step of the United States Medical Licensing Examination. However, the key is to view the patient as a whole, which aids in identifying the causes of nonspecific symptoms and the connections between seemingly unrelated issues.
I follow the principles of evidence-based medicine and shared decision-making. I avoid ordering unnecessary tests or prescribing medications unless absolutely necessary. Every action taken in the treatment process is justified and clearly explained to the patient. Building trusting relationships is crucial to me, and I strive to share knowledge in a straightforward and accessible way, which fosters mutual understanding and leads to better outcomes.