Hooked on Primary Care with Ira P. Monka, DO, MHA, FACOFP

For the last 38 years, I have been working at Atlantic Health Systems in New Jersey in family practice. I have wonderful patients, and I can put in 20-hour days and not regret one moment of being there.

The patient stories I love to talk about are where you made a difference in a person’s life, where you made an early diagnosis and treatment plan that changed the health outcome of their lives. It is very rewarding. As a family medicine and osteopathic physician, the whole goal is preventive primary care so you can diagnose disease early and change the course of someone’s future. I have seen multigenerational patients — from newborns to grandparents — and they refer you to their family and friends.

We have a responsibility to take care of the physical and mental well-being of those in our care. This is a noble calling and one that requires dedication, compassion and a commitment to lifelong learning. All in all, we never stop learning, growing or being challenged throughout our career. This is not only to ensure that we provide the best possible care for patients but also to maintain the trust that our patients, family members and colleagues have placed in us. As health care professionals, we are privileged to be able to make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve. Whether it's through our generosity of spirit or a lifesaving procedure, we have the ability to make a difference not only in our patients’ lives and hearts but in the osteopathic field.

And speaking of hearts, let's remember the importance of compassion and empathy in our work. We are treating the mind, body and spirit of our patients, and a good bedside manner is worth its weight in gold.

Ira P. Monka, DO, MHA, FACOFP
Family medicine physician
President of the American Osteopathic Association