NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2023 6 WORLD FAMILY DOCTOR D Y 2023 I ALWAYS felt the desire to help others, and so the act of giving service was an integral part of my early upbringing. At Excelsior High, I participated in Girl Guides, taught mathematics to JAMAL students, and was a member of the Cookery Club. At the UWI, in the natural sciences programme, my yearning to give service pushed me to apply to the Faculty of Medicine to become a medical doctor. I later entered the anaesthetic programme. On completing part one of the programme, I had started my family and chose not to leave my husband, Patrick, and sons Andrew and Nicholas to complete part two in England. Family wins every time! I had to think about my next step professionally and what aspect of medicine I wanted to pursue. Family medicine came immediately to mind, with the opportunity it would afford me to serve my community. I worked with the government service for a short period. During this time I developed an appreciation for the need to provide continuous and comprehensive primary healthcare for family members across all ages. I saw patients with different complaints, and so my knowledge, skills and ability grew as I learnt to see each one as an individual. I also learnt not to be judgemental, and developed empathy for each patient, as well as their family members. Then I began private practice. There, I grew to understand how each patient brings a unique and exciting opportunity to learn and grow as a professional. This enhanced the management and care of my patients. I receive fulfilment by caring for my patients in the diverse context of their lives, their families, and their communities. Often, by helping resolve medical issues, other wider emotional and social issues are addressed in my office. I always take a comprehensive medical history, do a proper physical examination of the patient, and take time to explain my diagnosis and how we will together manage the medical problem. I make time to listen and communicate clearly with each patient and their family. I instil in my staff the importance of being courteous and professional to all patients. I frequently attend medical conferences to keep abreast of the latest management strategies for various diseases and chronic illnesses. If the need arises, I collaborate with fellow physicians to ensure that I deliver the best quality care I can. I also try to give service in my community. During the COVID period, I kept my practice open to facilitate patient care and was able to treat COVID-positive patients to full recovery. I vividly recall an emergency I was faced with one morning with a pregnant lady in labour. On examination the head of the baby was visible; I had no choice but to care for the mother and child. The baby was delivered in my office, mother and child were stabilised, and arrangements made for them to go to hospital for proper birth registration. A patient of mine refers to me as ”caring, compassionate and trustworthy”. She says,“We couldn’t have chosen a better doctor.We trust her. Over the years she has taken us through various health challenges to good health. We feel safe in her hands.” Each day I ask God to guide me and use me as his instrument in the giving of quality, personalised care to every patient I see. DR EILEEN LOPEZ GORDON Family Doctor Providing quality personalised care to every patient
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