Hooked on Primary Care with Conrad L. Flick, MD
I remember in medical school really enjoying procedures and thinking I wanted to be a general surgeon. So much so, I did a research year in a surgery lab.
I was at Duke University and working in a department led by David C. Sabiston Jr., MD, one of the giants of surgery and editor of the most widely used textbook of surgery at that time. It was, however, during one long surgery that my father’s words came back to me. He told all his children, “Find a profession you love, one that fulfills and entertains you daily and one in which you can help others.” He was a minister and I saw his relationships with his congregation members grow stronger over time. His relationships with them were always shared in stories from their times together, good and bad, but based on a longstanding association of caring and trust and friendship. I had seen that through those interactions how he learned and grew professionally, his influence broadened and his life enriched. His choices were not driven by money or material things, but by relationships and service to others — those things made him happy. I realized that what drove me was not the thrill of procedures, but what fulfilled me and fed my passion was the patients with whom I was able to bond, learn from and develop relationships with, beyond just doctor-patient — one of mutual trust and friendship. It was about listening to and being a part of their stories.
I changed my career trajectory and have not regretted it. With each day I learn something new from my patients. They entrust me to help them in all aspects of their health. I still get to do procedures and there is no limit to what can come through the door. Their problems and stories teach me about medicine, history, sports, business, marriage, how to raise children and many other things — in essence, about life. No day or story is the same, no story or day is boring or without meaning.
Family medicine helps keeps life in perspective, challenges me daily professionally, allows me to grow personally and enables me give to others and helps to keep me happy, grounded and fulfilled.
Conrad L. Flick, MD
Partner, Family Medical Associates of Raleigh
Co-medical director, Community Care Physician’s Network
Co-president, Community Care Physican’s Network Board of Managers